Our work in the Solomon Islands
Vulnerability to natural disasters, a lack of basic infrastructure and civil unrest have combined to make the Solomon Islands one of the least developed nations in the Pacific. We are helping Solomon Islands’ communities improve access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, promote social justice, be more prepared for natural disasters and to share health messages to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Partnership
Working with local communities in the Solomon Islands since 1999
Programs
We implement two programs in the Solomon Islands
Priorities
Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), disaster risk reduction and social justice
Program snapshot
Solomon Islands Community Development Program
Running since: 2018
Partner Agencies: Caritas Australia Solomon Islands
Aims: To improve access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), to increase preparedness for disasters, and to strengthen social justice within communities
Who it is for: Solomon Island communities with limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene
Achievements:
- This program has reached 6 communities across the Solomon Islands
- We have helped install new water supply systems, tanks, pipes, taps and toilets
- The program has provided increased community education and training around water systems and hygiene, which has led to improved community cooperation, leadership and local governance systems
- Participation in this program has been strong, particularly amongst female community members
Fact: So far, the program has directly benefited nearly 4,000 participants
More background
The Solomon Islands are an archipelago made up of almost 1,000 islands. Although it’s a nation surrounded by water, it still experiences drought and water shortages.
Water and sanitation access are an ongoing challenge for the Solomon Islands. Around 70% of people in rural areas do not have access to piped water, while about 85% don’t have access to flushing toilets.
Poverty: Nearly 13% of the population live below the national poverty line and less than half have access to electricity. The majority live in rural areas where their main source of income is agricultural production. Economic opportunity is constrained by unreliable and costly access to markets and limited access to basic services
Natural disasters routinely devastate the Pacific, and the Solomon Islands are no exception. The Solomon Islands lie within a high-risk earthquake zone and is consequently in the path of tsunamis. The islands are frequently hit by tropical cyclones, volcanic eruptions, landslides and drought (sources...World Bank, ADB).
You can help
With your generous support, we work with vulnerable communities to increase access to fresh water, sanitation and hygiene facilities throughout the Solomon Islands. We also work with communities to boost preparedness and responses to natural disasters and promoting social justice and inclusion for all.
You can provide critical lifesaving aid and assistance to the communities in the Solomon Islands devastated by earthquakes, cyclones, flooding or conflicts. Your donation means that our partners on the ground can respond quickly and efficiently when disasters strike.