Australian High Commission
Honiara
Solomon Islands

Australia helps Christian Care Centre with water project

22 November 2013

Australia helps Christian Care Centre with water project

The Christian Care Centre now has better water storage and supply, with the installation of a new water tank, pump and pipes to connect running water to their houses.

Through the Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program, Australia provided SBD$100,000 to purchase the water tank, pump and other equipment. The equipment was installed by Australian Defence Force currently in Solomon Islands for Operation Render Safe 2013. The Render Safe team also cleared remnants of World War Two from around the centre.

Handing over the water project, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said staff and women and children who seek refuge at the shelter can now enjoy easy access to water for everyday activities.

“Australia is very proud to support the Christian Care Centre - a refuge for women and children escaping violence. Many of us take access to water for granted and we hope the new water supply will help make daily life easier for both staff and women and children who have sought refuge at the centre,” Mr Anderson.

Sister Doreen Awaiasi from the Christian Care Centre said the water project is very important as the centre has been without running tap water for many years.

“Our only source of water is from water tanks which depend on rainfall, so we are often without water for drinking, washing and cooking,” Sister Doreen said.

“With the installation of the new water pump and pipes from the water tanks to the houses, it will make a very big improvement in the living conditions for women and children who seek refuge at the Christian Care Centre,” she added.

“We are very grateful for the assistance from the Australian Government and also the Australian Defence Force. God bless Australia.”

Mr Anderson also said with White Ribbon Day - the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women - being marked on Monday, 25 November, it reminds people that violence against women and girls is completely unacceptable and needs to stop.

“The women affected by violence are our wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.
We owe it to them to take this issue seriously to create a society where violence against women is unacceptable,” Mr Anderson said.

“Mr Anderson said everyone has the right to live a life free of violence.

“By ending violence against women, we help improve women's ability to fully participate in family and community life without fear, and we also give them the chance to contribute socially and economically to the growth and development of Solomon Islands,” he said.