Forging a Resilient Future: How the CAUSE II Project is Transforming the Solomon Islands

In the heart of the Pacific, the Solomon Islands, a nation of stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, is facing the double-edged sword of progress. Rapid urban growth, while a sign of a developing nation, is placing immense strain on its infrastructure and services. For many, this means a daily struggle, with livelihoods at risk and an ever-present vulnerability to the harsh realities of climate change and natural disasters. But amidst these challenges, a powerful wave of change is building momentum, transforming landscapes and lives. This is the story of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project, or CAUSE II, a groundbreaking initiative that is not just building infrastructure, but building hope.

The challenges are stark. As more people move to urban centers like Honiara, the capital, the existing infrastructure groans under the pressure. Roads become congested, essential services struggle to keep up, and the risk of climate-related disasters, such as flooding, becomes a terrifying reality for many communities. This isn't just an abstract problem; it's a daily reality that affects how people live, work, and dream of a better future.

It is in this context that CAUSE II has emerged as a beacon of hope. This is not just another development project; it is a testament to the power of partnership. A Government of Solomon Islands initiative, CAUSE II is supported by the World Bank and has received a major boost from the Australian Government, who joined as a financing partner in 2021. As Rod Hilton, the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, puts it, “Australia is Solomon Islands' number one development partner. We greatly value our strong economic partnership with Solomon Islands which focuses on economic growth through local job creation, infrastructure and women’s empowerment. The CAUSE project helps us achieve all of these goals.”

This partnership is delivering tangible results across the nation's fastest-growing urban centers, including Honiara, the urban areas of Guadalcanal, Auki in Malaita Province, and Gizo, Noro, and Munda in Western Province. The project’s approach is holistic, addressing the multifaceted challenges of urbanization head-on.

At its core, CAUSE II is about building climate-resilient infrastructure that serves the real needs of the community. To date, this has translated into the delivery of an incredible 213 community infrastructure projects. This includes the construction of new markets and community halls, providing vital spaces for commerce and social gathering. More than 300 road sections have been improved, with nearly 100 kilometers maintained and a further 18 kilometers upgraded to be all-weather passable, ensuring that communities remain connected, even in the face of extreme weather.

The impact of this infrastructure development is felt in the daily lives of over 18,000 households. The project has brought improved roads, solar lighting that pierces the darkness and enhances safety, and essential handwashing stations. It has built footpaths, footbridges, and staircases that provide safe passage, and boat jetties that are lifelines for island communities. Crucially, it has also focused on providing sanitary facilities in schools, clinics, and markets, improving public health and hygiene.

One of the most powerful aspects of CAUSE II is its focus on economic empowerment. The project is committed to providing training, opportunities, and employment services for nearly 5,000 unemployed and out-of-school urban residents. This isn't just about providing a temporary job; it's about equipping people with the skills and experience they need to build a sustainable future for themselves and their families. The numbers speak for themselves: the project has already created over 370,000 labor days and paid out over 26 million Solomon dollars in wages, injecting vital income into local economies.

The stories of the people involved in the CAUSE II project are a powerful testament to its transformative impact. Margaret Toito'ona, from Auki in Malaita Province, speaks with joy about a new footbridge in her community. "Everybody here is very happy," she says, "because they find that having access through this bridge is very good. Children can run on top of it, and women can carry their market products through without needing sticks for support. So we’re very happy about the access through this bridge."

For Beryl, also from Malaita Province, the project was a catalyst for entrepreneurship. "When I got my first money," she shares, "I set up a poultry farm, and I started seeing money come in. That’s what I learned." Her story is a shining example of how a job can become a stepping stone to self-sufficiency and economic independence.

The success of CAUSE II is also a result of its strong foundation, building on over 16 years of successful projects, including CAUSE I and the Rapid Employment Project. As Christina Kimitora, a Senior Development Officer at the Ministry of Finance & Treasury, notes, this long-term commitment has been crucial.

The partnership with Australia has been particularly instrumental in scaling up the project. Annette Leith, the World Bank's Country Representative for the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, emphasizes this point: "The partnership with Australia was crucial for expanding and scaling up the project. It allowed CAUSE to provide employment opportunities in construction and waste collection to over 8,400 unemployed and out-of-school urban residents, half of whom are women and youth."

Looking to the future, CAUSE II continues to invite new partners to join its mission. The goal is clear: to help build safe, inclusive, and resilient urban communities across the country. The project is a shining example of what can be achieved when governments, international partners, and local communities work together towards a common goal. It is a story of empowerment, resilience, and hope. It is the story of a nation building its own future, one road, one bridge, and one empowered individual at a time.

To witness the incredible work of the CAUSE II project and hear more stories of transformation, you can watch the full video here: