Roots 21 backing ‘Prosthetic Workshop’ in drive to help Malaitans walk again

Popular Honiara based band Roots 21 is in Auki to stage three shows in support of the building of a Prosthetic Workshop in Kilu’ufi to help Malaitans who lose their limps due to diabetes walk-again.

The band is responding to an appeal by Friends of Kilu’ufi to raise funds for the construction of the workshop.

The workshop which will be used to build false (prosthetic) legs will be managed by a Malaitan, Willie Aukwai, who is currently studying in India to become a prosthetist. Upon his return, Aukwai will be manning the workshop where he will manufacture prosthetic or false legs for Malaitans who who lose their limps due to diabetes. Through the Friends of Kilu’ufi, machines for the workshop have already been secured and are on the way.

Roots 21 has decided to take up the opportunity to raise funds for the workshop, which will be part of Kilu’ufi Hospital, this weekend.

Spokesman John Adifaka Jr, said they are in Auki to support the fundraising drive.

“We are doing these gigs for free. We even brought Tshirts to be sold here to support the fundraising,” he said from Auki tonight.

Adifaka said the musical equipment is owned by the Deputy Prime Minister (Maelanga) and they are free of charge.

In their first gig today the band raised more than $12,000, most it was donations from the Auki community including the Chinese businesses there. Another performance takes place tonight with the final gig set for tomorrow night.

“We are here to support the programme and doing it for free,” said Adifaka who is part of veteran musicians who are reviving the Roots Band which was created in 1986.

News@SBMOnline2021