IRIRI COMMUNITY ACKNOWLEDGES SPD-FUNDED PROJECT

THE Community of Iriri in Central Kolobangara Island, Western Province, has extends its gratitude to the South Pacific Division (SPD) of the Seventhday Adventist Church (SDA) in Australia for its support in funding Disaster Ready Church (DRC) with sanitation as part of it for the Iriri Seventh-day Adventist Church.

SPD, in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Solomon Islands, has provided funding for sanitation projects in three communities across the Solomon Islands: Iriri Community, Zion SDA Church Community in Honiara, and Gwanasu’u SDA Community in North Malaita.

The Disaster Ready Church (DRC) initiative has a retrofitting component that will make the church program user friendly for both peace times and during disaster time.

The project also targets churches to have designated Disaster Ready Champions and trained volunteers.

It was funded by SPD for one year starting from May 2023 to May 2024, aims to equip local church members with the skills necessary to make informed decisions regarding emergency management plans.

In an interview with ADRA Communication and Monitoring/Evaluation Team with, Cyril Elijah, the Head Elder of Iriri SDA Church last week, expressed that more than 300 people in the Iriri SDA Community will benefit from the sanitation project.

“This sanitation project addresses a significant need within our community and among our church members,” he stated.

Elijah highlighted the importance of the project in addressing sanitation issues faced by the church and community visitors.

 “We often receive visitors, and one of the challenges has been ensuring proper sanitation facilities. With this project in place, we can now provide better facilities for both our members and visitors,” he explained.

The sanitation project includes the construction of two toilets—one for males and one for females—as well as a shower room.

SPD, through DRC, provided funding for the project, with additional support from community members who assisted in its construction.

Elijah emphasized the broader impact of the project, particularly during church services and community gatherings.

 “We are delighted as this project will greatly benefit our community during both church services and community events,” he stated.

 “This sanitation facility will not only serve us during formal gatherings but will also be accessible to the community on regular days’’

‘’ We extend our heartfelt appreciation to SPD, through ADRA SI, for implementing this vital project in our community.”

The efforts of SPD and ADRA SI in supporting community development projects like this are invaluable, and their contributions are deeply appreciated by the residents of Iriri and beyond.

The sanitation projects constructed should be completed by next month and will be followed by an official handing over to the community. Sanitation project has two toilets blocks for both gender and a single bathroom.