In her remarks, Ms Altangerel emphasized that the project represented more than an investment in physical infrastructure.
“We invest in healthier lives, safer learning and greater dignity,” she said, underscoring the facility’s long-term impact would depend on sustained community ownership and responsible maintenance.
“Its lasting impact depends on shared community ownership and responsible care, demonstrating what government, communities and partners can achieve together.”
Premier Atu reaffirmed the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s commitment to using development grants responsibly, while acknowledging support from UNDP, the EU and the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) in advancing services across education, health, infrastructure and livelihoods.
Addressing teachers and school administrators, Mr Atu noted that modest investments can have meaningful impact when they respond to genuine local needs.
“Across schools and health centers, WASH facilities have already improved safety, dignity and daily life,” he said. “Let it stand as a symbol of care for our children, respect for their dignity, and our collective promise to protect their health and support their education.”
For Head Teacher Gibson Rabea, the most important improvements are the practical ones: better access to water, improved sanitation, and facilities that respond more directly to the needs of the school’s more than 260 students.
“This facility will greatly alleviate the pressure on the run-down toilets the school has now,” Mr Rabea said.
One student representative also thanked the development partners and assured them that they would take responsibility for caring for the new facility. She also encouraged continued support for schools across Solomon Islands.
The Gifu initiative forms part of the wider PGSD programme, which aims to strengthen provincial governance and improve access to essential services.
Across three grant cycles, more than SBD 24 million has been allocated to 76 projects across all nine provinces, including 61 education projects and 15 health projects. The projects are reported to have reached 51,628 beneficiaries, including 27,278 women and girls.
Guadalcanal Province has received more than SBD 4 million in PGSD funding over the past three years, including support for WASH infrastructure.
For Gifu Primary School, the new facility provides a practical improvement to daily school life: safer sanitation, more reliable water access and greater dignity for students.
ENDS//
– UNDP Solomon Islands
