HCC ATTENDS INTRODUCTORY SESSION ON CAUSE II PROJECT
22 August 2025
Honiara City Councillors attended an introductory session on Thursday, 21 August 2025, at the Iron Bottom Sound (IBS) Conference Room in Honiara to learn more about the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project.
Lord Mayor Cr opened the session. Eddie Kasute’e Siapu, who delivered an inspirational message on behalf of the Council. He encouraged councillors to seize opportunities to enhance urban services and foster safer, cleaner, and more inclusive communities throughout the city.
Mr. Cris Afable, Project Manager for CAUSE II, led the presentation with his team, giving an overview of the project’s goals, components, and expected benefits for Honiara and the surrounding areas.
CAUSE II is a Government of Solomon Islands initiative led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Honiara City Council. It also involves collaboration with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, as well as the Provincial Governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province.
The project is supported by the World Bank and Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).
Councillors were briefed on how CAUSE II will support infrastructure improvements, waste management, and the creation of short-term employment through community works programs. The session also highlighted the project’s focus on building skills and providing income opportunities for youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
The Council thanked the CAUSE II team for their presentation and expressed strong support for the project’s implementation in Honiara.
First Footpath Project Completed Under CAUSE II in Noro Township
22 August 2025
The first community footpath project under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project has been successfully completed in Noro Township, a bustling urban and economic center in the Western Province. This marks a milestone in improving safe and inclusive access for schools and communities.
The newly completed footpath, measuring 208 meters in length, was finished on 6 August 2025 in time for the school opening with the dedicated efforts of 15 community workers engaged through the CAUSE II program.
One of the key beneficiaries of this project is Ferguson Adventist Academy, also known locally as Rita School, where 219 students - including 107 kindergarten pupils and 112 primary students (Grades 1-6) will now have safer and easier passage to school.
Speaking at the completion of the project, Headmistress Rita Hivae expressed her gratitude on behalf of the school community:
“This footpath is a blessing for our children. It will make their daily journey to school much safer, especially during rainy days. We thank CAUSE II and the community workers for their hard work and support.”
The project demonstrates CAUSE II’s commitment to enhancing community resilience and urban services while also creating short-term employment opportunities for local workers in Noro.
A Government of Solomon Islands initiative, CAUSE II is 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.
The project is supported by the World Bank and Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).
CAUSE II Redi4Waka: 383 Graduates Ready to Support Community Works
15 August 2025
Noro Batch 3 with certificates
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II) continues to make strong progress under its Component 3 – Redi4Waka. As of 15 August 2025, the Project Management Unit (PMU) and Project Implementing Units (PIUs) have successfully graduated 383 community members through work-readiness training.
These graduates are now lined up to take part in vital community works, including footpath construction, solar light post installation, and reflective kerb painting on main roads. In particular, PIUs have already scheduled teams for the installation of solar posts along completed Jacob’s Ladders and new footpaths, ensuring safer and more accessible public spaces.
Gizo Batch 3 with certificates
The Redi4Waka training equips participants with practical job skills, life skills, and awareness on climate resilience—building confidence while preparing them for both short-term engagement in CAUSE II works and longer-term employment opportunities.
Assistant Social Service Coach (PMU) facilitating session on mental health
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).
CAUSE II – Building safer, stronger communities together.
New World Bank Country Representative Visits CAUSE Sites in Honiara
10 August 2025
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) MID-HCC Project Management Unit (PMU) welcomed Mr. Bernard Harborne, the newly appointed World Bank Country Representative for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, with an inspiring showcase of the CAUSE II Project in action.
Mr. Harborne’s visit on Friday, 8 August 2025, began with a warm welcome, followed by a briefing at the CAUSE II PMU, where the team outlined the achievements of CAUSE I and the ambitious targets for CAUSE II and observed an ongoing “Redi4Waka” life-skills training at the CAUSE Training Room - witnessing firsthand how the project is empowering youth and women with skills and work opportunities.
He then toured key project sites, including the the Tasahe Road loop and the section of the Lengakiki-Rewa Road earmarked for climate-resilient sealing under CAUSE II. He also visited the bustling White River Market, the much-improved steep section of the Agape Road done under CAUSE I.
Accompanied by senior management team from the CAUSE II PMU, Mr. Harborne expressed his enthusiasm for the project’s tangible impact on livelihoods, urban services, and infrastructure resilience.
His visit underscored the strong partnership between the World Bank, the Government of Solomon Islands, the Government of Australia and local communities in addressing urban challenges and unlocking economic potential in a changing climate.
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).
CAUSE II Waste Cleaning and Collection Empowering Communities in Honiara
01 August 2025
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project has made significant strides in enhancing urban cleanliness and economic inclusion through its Waste Cleaning and Collection initiative in Honiara City. Designed to address environmental hazards and support vulnerable populations, this activity spans 13 key road segments from Alligator Creek in the east to Poha in the west.
Since its launch, CAUSE II has engaged 182 community members who collectively contributed 4,752 engagement labor days. Of these, 78% were women and 43% were youth, showcasing CAUSE II’s strong commitment to gender and youth inclusion. Notably, 69% of participants came from communities identified as the highest priority in terms of vulnerability.
By mobilizing local labor for essential waste cleaning services, CAUSE II not only supports a cleaner, more resilient Honiara, but also creates dignified, short-term employment for those most in need. The initiative is a powerful demonstration of how community-based urban management can transform lives and environments.
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).
CAUSE II Project Fosters Awareness and Opportunities for National Contractors in Honiara
29 April 2025
The Project Management Unit (PMU) of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project hosted a successful Business Opportunity and Awareness Meeting yesterday at their Head Office in Honiara.
This event, titled ‘Scaling-Up for CAUSE II: Preparing Small Contractors for Big Opportunities’, brought together around 40 national contractors to discuss upcoming procurement opportunities and critical preparations for future tenders under the transformative project.
Designed specifically to enhance the capabilities of local contractors, the workshop focused on the upcoming civil works contracts associated with the CAUSE II Project.
Participants were introduced to an array of opportunities, covering essential projects such as DBST tar-sealed roads, storm drains, Bailey bridges, urban parks, and coastal protection works.
They were guided through topics: mobilisation advances, cash flow planning, compliance with World Bank and Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) procurement standards, and maintaining impeccable financial records.
Other areas emphasised by the PMU include contractor mentoring initiatives and provision of template documents, sample Bills of Quantities (BOQ’s), and Joint Venture agreements as crucial tools for successfully navigating the bidding process and project execution.
The meeting features a Q & A session where contractors share their insights and challenges, particularly regarding capacity limitations, financial hurdles, and technical gaps.
"We are thrilled with the turnout and the strong demand for knowledge from the local construction community.
“Participants expressed gratitude for the practical and timely information shared during the sessions," said Samuel Belamide, CAUSE Project Manager.
"This meeting promotes economic inclusion and ensures that local contractors are well-prepared to engage in upcoming opportunities."
These meetings reinforced CAUSE II’s commitment to promoting greater local participation by encouraging early preparation and strategic partnerships among Solomon Islands contractors. The PMU team’s efforts to provide hands-on support and address contractor concerns in real-time set a positive tone for upcoming procurement activities.
CAUSE II will convene some more meetings with contractors to strengthen its foundation for inclusive project delivery, ensuring that local contractors are better positioned to grow their businesses, deliver quality infrastructure, and contribute to the broader development goals of the country.
Survey and Design Contract Signed for CAUSE II
Original News Item Published at SIG-MID News Portal Here
The Solomon Islands Government and Kramer Asia Pacific (SI) have officially signed a contract for Survey and Design Services for component 1 of the Community Access and Urban Enhancement Services (CAUSE) II project last week.
9th April 2025
The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Kramer Asia Pacific (SI) have officially signed a contract for Survey and Design Services-component 1 of the Community Access and Urban Enhancement Services (CAUSE) II project. The signing took place at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) headquarters and was witnessed by representatives from the MID, Honiara City Council, the CAUSE administration team, and the Australian High Commission.
MID Permanent Secretary Allan Lilia congratulated Kramer for securing the contract, expressing confidence in the firm’s ability to efficiently kickstart the initial phase of the project, encompassing both design and survey work.
“This contract entails a broad spectrum of technically complex tasks, including detailed engineering design as well as environmental and social assessments,” said Mr Lilia.
He emphasised the importance of adopting high standards that ensure climate resilience, stating, “The services rendered will not only be structurally sound but will also withstand the challenges posed by climate change. We will uphold international practices and adhere to World Bank guidelines to maintain quality and timeliness throughout the project.”
Honiara City Clerk Justus Denni conveyed his gratitude to the Australian people and government for their ongoing support in enhancing urban infrastructure. He noted that Honiara has been the primary beneficiary of the first CAUSE project and expressed optimism that CAUSE II will mirror its predecessor’s success. “This initiative will create jobs and improve accessibility through the construction of roads, footpaths, and city cleaning programs in urban environments,” Denni said.
Kramer Country Manager Daniel Tucker described CAUSE II as a significant milestone in his firm’s commitment to infrastructure development in the Solomon Islands.
He acknowledged the benchmark set by CAUSE I and expressed confidence that their team, composed of local experts, is well-equipped to meet the project’s demands.
“Our actions will speak for themselves,” Mr Tucker affirmed.
Funded by an estimated SBD 314 million from the World Bank and the Government of Australia through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility, CAUSE II builds upon the achievements of its predecessor, which concluded on October 31, 2024.
This new project invests in climate-resilient infrastructure and fosters economic opportunities for urban communities. It will be implemented in the nation’s fastest-growing urban centres, including Honiara City and the peri-urban areas of Guadalcanal, Malaita (Auki), and Western (Gizo, Noro, and Munda).
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).
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