New Footpath Marks Milestone for Accessibility and Safety at Bethesda Disability Training Centre

HENDERSON, Guadalcanal – A NEW footpath under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project Phase II (CAUSE II) is being welcomed as an important milestone by the Bethesda Disability Training and Support Centre (BDTSC), with the school’s Principal saying the development will significantly improve accessibility and safety for students with disabilities.

Construction of the 250-metre concrete footpath is progressing well within the Centre’s compound, providing a safer and more accessible route for students, particularly those who use wheelchairs, to move between key areas of the training facility.

BDTSC Principal Mr. Christopher Hanafunu said the project was one of the first major developments of its kind to reach the Centre and was particularly important because it directly responds to the needs of students with disabilities.

“What is happening right now is very important, especially as it meets the needs of persons with special needs who come to school here,” Mr. Hanafunu said.

He said the new pathway would make it easier and safer for students using wheelchairs to access the Centre and participate in training.

“For me personally, it is indeed a great achievement, especially as it will greatly help our students with special needs,” he said.

Mr. Hanafunu explained that the Centre first learnt about the opportunity through consultations with the CAUSE II Community Liaison Officer, who provided information about the proposed footpath and supported the school through the application process.

The project has also provided an opportunity for community members to participate directly in its implementation. A group of 15 community members, including former graduates, family members of students and neighboring residents, were engaged as part of the project workforce following Results for Work training.

Work Group Leader Mr. Greg Seth said the team was committed to completing the pathway within the timeframe provided, noting that the project was already progressing quickly.

The group works from 8am to 4pm each day, with Mr. Seth saying their focus was to ensure the pathway was successfully completed for the benefit of the students.

“This project is very important, especially as it helps the students with wheelchair to easily move around freely and safely,” he said.

He also looked forward to further improvements around the pathway, including the potential installation of solar lighting to enhance safety and usability.

For Mr. Hanafunu, however, the significance of the project goes beyond the physical improvement to the Centre.

He said the new infrastructure would help strengthen the Centre’s ability to deliver its training in an environment that is safer and more accessible for its students.

“This is one project that really boosts our training, in terms of accessibility and safety for our students with special needs,” he said.

On behalf of the school management, administration, families and surrounding community, Mr. Hanafunu expressed his appreciation to the CAUSE II Project for supporting the development.

“We are indeed so grateful from our hearts,” he said, adding that the Centre looked forward to continued collaboration with CAUSE II in the future.

The Bethesda footpath forms part of CAUSE II’s community infrastructure investments aimed at improving access, safety and inclusion in urban and peri-urban communities. The project combines infrastructure development with community participation and skills development, providing both lasting community assets and opportunities for local people to gain practical work experience.

Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, the CAUSE II Project is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

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