Honiara, November 4, 2024 - A new phase of the World Bank's Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II) will create an additional 120,000 labor days and provide employment opportunities for 15,000 individuals with a stronger focus on empowering women and youth in the Solomon Islands. This second phase of the project will also invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and improve access to critical urban services in areas especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The World Bank's Board of Directors has approved the US$37 million CAUSE II project through which the Government of Solomon Islands, with key support from the Government of Australia, will build resilience and create income-generating opportunities across the country while improving land administration and asset management systems for more effective urban service delivery.
The first phase of the project, which closes on October 31, benefitted over 104,000 people, generated nearly 370,000 labor days, provided short-term employment for over 8,000 people-more than half of whom were women and youth-and delivered essential urban services such as road maintenance, drainage, and waste management.
"The CAUSE project has been a crucial lifeline for many Solomon Islanders, providing much-needed jobs while improving our urban centers," the Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare said. "The second phase, supported by Australia and the World Bank, will continue to build on this strong foundation, helping to address critical development challenges in our cities and towns."
The project will be implemented in the fastest-growing urban centers in the country - Honiara City, urban areas of Guadalcanal, Malaita (Auki), and Western Province (Gizo, Noro, and Munda). These areas, home to about 30% of the total Solomon Islands population, face significant development challenges. These include high unemployment, unplanned growth of informal settlements in areas prone to climate-related hazards, and inadequate infrastructure and services that are increasingly strained by the impacts of climate change.
"CAUSE I provides a model for future urban development planning in Solomon Islands, creating job opportunities, helping communities, and improving essential services," said Annette Leith, World Bank Resident Representative in Solomon Islands. "CAUSE II builds on that success by expanding its reach, increasing support for women and youth, and ensuring that urban infrastructure is resilient to the growing impacts of climate change."
Australia's financial support for CAUSE II plays a vital role in expanding the project's reach and ensuring its success. This partnership will continue to be essential in allowing the government to scale up and deepen its efforts after the success of CAUSE I. The project will not only address urgent urban needs but also help build the capacity of local governments and communities to manage urban services and infrastructure sustainably.
In addition to creating jobs and improving infrastructure, the second phase will build the capacity of governments and communities to sustainably manage urban growth and services. Support for improved land administration, revenue mobilization, and management of public assets will help ensure that local authorities and communities play active roles in maintaining the improvements delivered by the project.
CAUSE II is implemented by the Solomon Islands Government and is supported by the World Bank and Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
