The current executive Government of Western Province under the leadership of Premier Billy Veo has acknowledged the work of Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Western Province.
This recognition was highlighted by the Minister for Health and Medical Services of the Western Provincial Government, Hon. Kenneth George, during the No Open Defecation (NOD) celebrations for three Communities in Central Rannogah last week.
The communities are Niuole Community, Zion Community and Monama Community. NOD Celebration for Niuole Community was done on Wednesday 18 December while combined NOD celebration for Zion and Monama was held on Friday 20 December.
This communities are amongst several communities in Rannogha Island being declared NOD. So far since ADRA implemented a sanitation project in the island, eight communities on Rannogha have achieved this NOD celebration since the project’s implementation. More NOD celebrations have been anticipated for more communities for next year as work on the ground is ongoing.
ADRA is currently implementing the National Sanitation Sustainable Plan (NSSP) Phase Two program across Rannogha, Kolobangara, and Vela. The project was Funded by DFAT through UNICEF which ran for one year. Work is also currently underway at Simbo Island for some unfinished projects in phase 1.
Speaking duinrg the celebrations at these communities, Provincial Minister for Health and Medical Service for Western Provincial Government, Hon Kenneth George has expressed provincial government satisfaction with ADRA’s contributions to the province for the sanitation project.
“The current WPG executive is indeed pleased to see more communities achieving NOD status through ADRA’s sanitation projects’’
“ADRA’s also work on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities through the Turn on the Tap (TOTT) project in schools owned by the United Church is commendable,” he said.
Minster George has congratulated Niuole Community for successfully completing its sanitation project which resulted from NOD celebrations.
“I would like to acknowledge ADRA, DFAT, and UNICEF for supporting this project and made it to success although challenges are there’’
“This three Communities you are so fortunate to have achieved this important milestone that promotes health and sanitation for your community,” the MPA said.
Meanwhile Rodrick Tikera, Chief of the Maluku Tribe, spoke on behalf of their community has expressed their pride of the achievement.
“This celebration is a historic event for our communities. It inspires nearby communities to follow in our footsteps’’
“We will support other communities to achieve similar successes to ensure our community here in ward five has better and proper sanitation. Thank ADRA for your work here and donors; UNICEF & DFAT for supporting this project which resulted in the NOD celebrations,” he said.
NSSP Project Manager Vema Kiko also acknowledged the collaborative efforts that led to the celebration. “Sanitation is vital for daily living. Congratulations to these 3 communities on this milestone achievement,”
“Thanks to the RWASH team, the Provincial Government, UNICEF, and all donors for your support,” she said.
Niuole, Zion and Monama Communities are eight community on Rannogha Island that being declared NOD, with more celebrations anticipated soon for Rannogah Island next year.
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