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Strong Start for CAUSE II: World Bank’s First Implementation Support Mission Commends Early Progress
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 28 March 2025
The World Bank’s first Implementation Support Mission for the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project was successfully conducted from March 18–28, 2025, confirming a promising start to the six-year urban development initiative.
The mission's key objectives were to assess implementation progress since project effectiveness, verify compliance with legal covenants, support the Project Operations Manual (POM) workshop, and initiate discussions on additional financing opportunities through the Global Environment Facility's Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF).
The mission noted significant achievements since CAUSE II became effective in November 2024. A joint Project Management Unit (PMU) and three Provincial Implementation Units (PIUs) have been operationalized, procurement is well underway, and the first Project Steering Committee was convened. Training and infrastructure activities are on track to begin in April–June 2025, including civil works on tertiary roads, community infrastructure upgrades, and the reactivation of waste collection services.
Three of six legal covenants have already been met, and the remainder—primarily related to staffing and POM adoption—are progressing well. The mission highlighted the satisfactory status of environmental and social safeguards, financial and procurement systems, and noted the project’s strong focus on gender equality and disability inclusion.
Notably, the mission recommended prioritizing stormwater drainage improvements for the Gizo Meddean Highway upgrade and endorsed the development of a vulnerability index to guide infrastructure targeting. It also supported the government’s interest in expanding CAUSE II’s flood risk resilience through potential LDCF funding.
Overall, the mission concluded that CAUSE II is off to a strong start, with commendable coordination between national and provincial stakeholders and early signs of impactful implementation.

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project is a transformative initiative aimed at improving climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing economic inclusion, and strengthening service delivery in targeted urban centers across the Solomon Islands.
Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Honiara City Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, and the Provincial Governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province, CAUSE II is a Government of Solomon Islands initiative.
The project is supported by the World Bank and the Government of Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).
Successful Completion of CAUSE II Project Operations Manual (POM) Training
Honiara, Solomon Islands – 28 March 2025
The CAUSE II Project Operations Manual (POM) Training, held from March 25–27, 2025, at the IBS Monarch Hotel in Honiara, was successfully completed with an enthusiastic and engaging turnout. Over 60 participants representing Honiara City Council (HCC), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Provincial Governments, Project Management and Implementation Units (PMU/PIUs), and development partners took part in this crucial capacity-building event.
The training focused on deepening participants’ understanding of the CAUSE II Project, including its objectives, new activities under the expanded project, and the roles of various stakeholders in implementation. Key topics covered included the Project’s four core components: Resilient Township Infrastructure, Safe and Inclusive Communities, Enhanced Urban Productivity, and Urban Land Administration and Maintenance. Specialized sessions also addressed environmental and social risk management, the grievance redress mechanism, procurement systems, and the use of the CAUSE Information Management System.
Interactive group sessions and presentations allowed participants to reflect on their roles and collaborate across institutions, strengthening inter-agency coordination and ownership of the project. A particularly engaging moment came during the breakout discussions, where attendees shared practical ideas for improving project delivery and maximizing community impact.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing appreciation for the clarity, relevance, and participatory nature of the training. The final evaluation showed strong confidence in applying the POM and renewed commitment to CAUSE II’s mission.
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project is a transformative initiative aimed at improving climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing economic inclusion, and strengthening service delivery in targeted urban centers across the Solomon Islands.
Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Honiara City Council, in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, and the Provincial Governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province, CAUSE II is a Government of Solomon Islands initiative.
The project is supported by the World Bank and the Government of Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)
(INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES)
Solomon Islands
Community Access and Services Enhancement Project II
(CAUSE II)
Loan No./Credit No./ Grant No.: IDA 76410, IDA E3750, TF C6126
The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has received financing from the World Bank and the Government of Australia toward the cost of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II)and intends to apply part of the proceeds for the following consulting services.
The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignments can be found at the following website:https://cause2news.cause2si.site/
The CAUSE II Project Management Unit (CAUSE II PMU) now invites eligible individuals (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services (attach curriculum vitae with description of experience in similar assignments, similar conditions, etc.). Firms’ staff may express interest through the employing firm for the assignment and, under such situation, only the experience and qualifications of individuals shall be considered in the selection process. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are found in the Terms of Reference annexed herewith (refer to link and QR code provided in the above table).
The attention of interested Consultants (including firms) is drawn to paragraph 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers, Fifth Edition, September 2023 (“the Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
When applying, please ensure to quote the Position and the reference number/code for the position you are applying for.
Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 3:00pm, 17th March 2025.
To:
Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II)
Attn: CAUSE Procurement
CAUSE II Project Management Unit (PMU)
Townground, Tandai Highway
Tel: +677-21173; +677-21178

NOTICE OF EXTENSION
Please be advised that the deadline for submission of applications for this Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) has been extended to 31 March 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications on or before the new deadline.
Project Steering Committee Reviews CAUSE Project Progress and Plans Future Development
Honiara, Solomon Islands – February 21, 2025
The Project Steering Committee (PSC) convened its first meeting of the year on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the Honiara Meeting Room, Heritage Park Hotel. Chaired by Justus Denni, City Clerk (HCC), the meeting gathered key representatives from government ministries, donor partners, and the CAUSE Project team to review project achievements, address financial and implementation challenges, and outline the next phase of urban development under CAUSE II.
Attendees included Cris Afable (PM, CAUSE Project, HCC), Sam Belamide (PM, CAUSE Project, MID), Bekery Zonga (DPM, Finance Office, CAUSE), Kate Chapman (First Secretary, Australian High Commission), Craig Ross (MoFT), and Cedric Alependava (PS, MYWCA), among others. Apologies were noted from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the World Bank.
The meeting reflected on the CAUSE I Project, which successfully concluded in October 2024. Over its implementation, the project provided over 8,500 beneficiaries with paid employment, generated 370,000 labor days, and allocated 26 million SBD in wages. Additionally, more than 200 community infrastructure projects were completed, including the improvement of 319 road segments and the collection and management of over 65,280 kg of waste. Notably, 51% of the project’s beneficiaries were women, reinforcing the program’s commitment to gender inclusion.
While celebrating these achievements, the PSC also acknowledged key challenges, including financial constraints, coordination among stakeholders, and ensuring sustainability beyond the project’s timeline. The committee agreed that CAUSE II would build upon these successes by expanding road infrastructure, installing solar-powered streetlights to improve safety, and enhancing waste management services in urban and peri-urban areas.
The meeting also approved the 2025 operational budget of SBD58.6 million, ensuring funding for survey and design contracts, roadworks, and drainage improvements. Key road projects include Tasahe D-Road, Hibiscus Avenue, Skyline Road, West Kolaa Road, and Sunvalley road passing Henderson Fighter 1 Road towards Bloody Ridge. Discussions also focused on strengthening project governance, with the PSC meeting frequency set to quarterly, an expansion of committee representation to include the Ministry of Housing and Survey and the Ministry of Environment, and a renewed focus on financial transparency through ongoing donor coordination.
With sustainability in mind, government representatives and donor partners emphasized the need for stronger partnerships with local and provincial governments, greater community engagement in infrastructure maintenance, and the development of long-term funding mechanisms. Additionally, members were reminded of the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum in September, which will require an increased focus on waste management efforts.
As the meeting concluded, the PSC reaffirmed its commitment to finalizing the Terms of Reference for CAUSE II governance, confirming financial agreements with donor partners, and coordinating project timelines with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and local authorities. The next PSC meeting is scheduled for May 2025, where members will review implementation progress and discuss further project developments.
The Chair closed the meeting by thanking all members for their dedication to improving urban infrastructure and livelihoods across the Solomon Islands, reinforcing the committee’s shared vision for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Solomon Island Contractors and Workers Are at the Heart of CAUSE Project

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20 February 2025
CAUSE II Project Launching
Courtesy of SIBC News TV
Second Phase of CAUSE Launched: Solomon Islands to See Boost to Jobs, Infrastructure, and Urban Resilience
Honiara, February 7, 2025 – The Solomon Islands Government, with support from the World Bank and Australia, has officially launched the second phase of the successful and much loved Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II) at a special event held at the CAUSE project headquarters in Honiara on February 7, 2025.
An unveiling of the new project logo marked the official launch of CAUSE II, which will continue to generate employment, improve urban infrastructure, and enhance climate resilience in Solomon Islands’ rapidly growing urban centers.
Building on the success of the original CAUSE project, which provided employment opportunities to over 8,000 people and delivered critical urban services, CAUSE II is expected to create over 360,000 paid workdays and expand job opportunities for 4,700 unemployed and out-of-school urban residents, with a focus on empowering women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
The project will also invest in climate-resilient roads, drainage systems, and waste management services to address growing urban challenges in Honiara, Auki, Gizo, Noro, and Munda.
“The CAUSE project has been a lifeline for many Solomon Islanders, providing much-needed jobs while improving our urban centers,” said Solomon Islands Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manasseh Sogavare at the launch.
“The second phase will build on this success by creating more opportunities and enhancing essential infrastructure for local communities.”
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is committed to partnerships that create more local jobs and more economic opportunities for Solomon Islanders.
“CAUSE II brings more funding, bigger projects and, most importantly, more benefits to Solomon Islanders around the country, especially women and youth,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“The CAUSE project is the definition of locally-led empowerment, community development, and building the economy through local jobs, and Australia is proud to lend our support to this fantastic project.”
The second phase will also contribute to strengthening public authorities’ capacities to plan and manage urban growth effectively. This includes improving land administration, own source revenue and asset management systems to support sustainable urban service delivery.
“The project provides a model for future urban management in Solomon Islands, improving roads and services, creating jobs and helping communities prepare for climate challenges,” said World Bank Country Resident Representative in Solomon Islands, Annette Leith.
“This project will continue to make daily life easier and safer for urban residents across Solomon Islands.”
Launching a total investment of SBD310 million from the World Bank and Australia, CAUSE II is set to play a key role in supporting the Solomon Islands Government’s National Development Strategy (2016–2035) and National Urban Policy (2020–20135).
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.
Group photo including Deputy Mayor of Honiara City Council, Clement Terewauri; Minister of Infrastructure Development, Manesseh Maelanga; World Bank Senior Economist, Lodewijk Smets; Minister of Finance and Treasury, Manesseh Sogavare; Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton
Signing of the CAUSE II Partnership Agreement between Honiara City Council, Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, Guadalcanal Provincial Government, Western Provincial Government and Malaita Provincial Government
7 February 2025
CAUSE II Reaches Effectiveness
The Solomon Islands Government, in partnership with the World Bank and the Australian Government, is pleased to announce the official declaration of effectiveness for the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project Phase II (CAUSE II). The project, supported by financing agreements including Credit No. IDA-76410, Grant No. IDA-E3750, and PPIUF Grant No. TF-C6126, became effective on November 28, 2024.
CAUSE II builds upon the successes of the previous phase to deliver climate-resilient infrastructure and enhance economic inclusion across urban centers in the Solomon Islands. Key target areas include Honiara City, urban and peri-urban Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Provinces. The project is strategically designed to address pressing challenges such as upgrading high-traffic secondary roads, bridge and storm drains to climate-resilient standards, infrastructure deficiencies in informal settlements, and high unemployment rates.
The declaration of effectiveness enables the interim Project Management Unit (PMU) to commence preliminary activities immediately. These include re-operationalizing the PMU and Project Implementation Units (PIUs) across target regions. Recruitment efforts are expected to bring the full workforce on board by February 2025, at which point community operations will be fully activated.
This milestone reflects the commitment of the Solomon Islands Government and its development partners to improve the quality of life for urban populations. The project will empower local authorities, create economic opportunities, and foster sustainable urban development through coordinated efforts and investments.
Stay tuned for further updates as CAUSE II progresses toward implementation and transformative impact.
CAUSE2 PMU Media
5 Dec 2024
Exciting News for the Solomon Islands!
The CAUSE II project is officially underway! The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and the World Bank have signed the Financial Agreement, backed by a significant contribution from the Australian Government.
CAUSE II will bring climate-resilient infrastructure, economic opportunities, and essential services to urban areas across Honiara, Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province. From new roads and green spaces to skills training, this initiative will support thousands and enhance local resilience.
Together, we’re building a stronger future for the Solomon Islands!
CAUSE2 PMU Media
7 Nov 2024
Signing of CAUSE II to Strengthen Climate Resilience and Economic Access in Solomon Islands

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