Eight communities in Torokina District, located in a remote part of South Bougainville – without road access to major centres – have benefitted from small community projects valued at over K270,000 funded through the Australian government’s Bougainville Community Grants Scheme.
The people of Ukoto ward built two poultry sheds, fully equipped with drinkers, feeders, lamps and stock feed which has increased economic activity in the area and will provide opportunities for investment in other income generation activities.
Torokina district’s six wards had their sports facilities improved including upgrades to six soccer fields, purchase of sports equipment and training courses in sports administration and refereeing for sports personnel. These developments will support community cohesion in the wards.
And in Laruma ward, a water and sanitation system was installed counting twenty water tanks that have improved access to clean drinking water for the estimated 500-plus community members as well as the construction of toilets which provide better sanitation for the community.
President of Laruma Women’s Group, Lynette Variatsi said:
“Long makim maus bilong ol mama, mi tok bikpela tok tenkyu tru igo long Australia gavman long bringim twenty-pla wara tenk na tripela VIP toilet ikam insait long Laruma komuniti. Em i pes taim mipela kisim kain project na dispela i bringim planti bikpela senis tru ikamap.”
[On behalf of the mothers, I would like to convey our gratitude to the Australian government for bringing twenty water tanks and three VIP toilets into Laruma community. This is the first time we have received such a project which has brought about many big changes].
“Mipela mama i amamas tru bikos em i daunim hevi bilong wokabaut longpela distens tru long painim gutpela wara. Taim mipela kisim dispela ol services, mipela lukim olsem sik dairea where ibin planti tru bipo na i afektim tru planti pikinini, i ipinis nau.”
[We, the mothers, are very happy because these facilities have eased the burden of having to walk long distances to look for good drinking water. Since receiving these services, we have seen a reduction in diseases such as diarrhoea which was affecting many of our children.]
The two wards and the district sports association are among 60 successful community groups who were awarded funding from the Bougainville Community Grants Scheme.
Australian First Secretary for Bougainville Development, Dr. Anthony Mason, who attended the launch of these projects said, “the grants are part of Australia’s long-term commitment to help Bougainville communities establish projects that will support economic development and improve the health and general wellbeing of women, men and youth”.
The grant scheme is administered by the Bougainville Partnership, on behalf of the Australian Government, in partnership with the ABG’s Department of Community Development.
Applications for the grants are open until 15 August 2023. For further information contact District Offices or the Bougainville Partnership offices in Buka or Arawa.