10th August, 2025
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project Management Unit (PMU) has warmly welcomed and hosted Bernard Harborne, the newly appointed World Bank Country Representative for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, during his visit to Honiara last week.
On Friday, August 8, 2025, Mr Harborne commenced his visit with a briefing at the CAUSE II headquarters. During the session, PMU highlighted the successes achieved under CAUSE I and shared ambitious goals for CAUSE II.
He also observed a live “Redi4Waka” life-skills training session at the CAUSE Training Room, witnessing firsthand how the project is empowering youth and women with valuable skills and employment opportunities.
Following the briefing, Mr Harborne toured several key project sites, including the Tasahe Road loop, the section of Lengakiki-Rewa Road designated for climate-resilient sealing under CAUSE II, and the bustling White River Market. He also visited the upgraded steep section of Agape Road, constructed under CAUSE I, showcasing the project’s tangible infrastructure improvements.
Accompanied by senior management of the project office, Mr Harborne expressed his enthusiasm about the project’s impact on local livelihoods, urban infrastructure, and resilience.
He emphasized the critical role of CAUSE II in fostering sustainable urban development amid climate challenges.
His visit underscored the strong partnership between the World Bank, the Government of the Solomon Islands, the Government of Australia, and local communities in tackling urban challenges and unlocking economic potential.
CAUSE II is a government-led initiative, managed by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the Honiara City Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, as well as the provincial governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province.
CAUSE II will continue to implement climate-resilient infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, drainage systems, open parks and shoreline protection for Honiara City and the peri-urban areas of Guadalcanal Province, Malaita Province (Auki), and Western Province (Gizo, Noro, and Munda).
Meanwhile, the design and survey for component 1 of the project are undertaken by Kramer Asia Pacific (SI).
Ends//
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