Community Benefit Sharing Project, CBSP 2
15th February 2025 – A total of 76 participants from the communities of Antioch and Valesala in the Bahomea region have successfully completed a Graduation Training Program focused on Life Skills and Work Readiness. This initiative prepares them to contribute to the construction and improvement of the Antioch-Valesala Road access, under the Community Benefit Sharing Project 2 (CBSP 2).
The training consisted of three separate sessions designed to equip participants with essential skills needed for the workforce, particularly in the construction sector. Through this program, community members gained practical knowledge and abilities that will enable them to actively participate in the road access improvement project, fostering both economic opportunities and infrastructure development in the region.
“This training is a significant step in empowering local communities by equipping them with skills that not only support this project but also enhance their long-term employability,” said Alice Mary Walani, Lead Trainer. “By investing in people, we are not only building roads but also building futures.”
The Antioch-Valesala Road Access Improvement Project is a transformative initiative for the region. Once completed, the 500m road will provide safer, more reliable transportation for residents, connecting them to essential services, markets, and economic opportunities.
For years, limited road access has posed challenges for farmers, students, and families, making it difficult to transport goods, access healthcare, and attend school. With this new development, local farmers will have better access to the Honiara market, students will have a safer and more reliable route to school, and emergency services will be able to reach these communities more efficiently.
“This road is more than just infrastructure—it’s a pathway to opportunity, growth, and improved livelihoods for our communities,” said Mr. Lionald Tarairamo, CBSP’s Community Training Officer. “By investing in training and skill development, we are ensuring that this project is truly community-driven, creating employment and empowering local workers.”
By providing life skills and work readiness training, this program ensures that residents are not just passive beneficiaries but active contributors to their community’s development. Members who completed the training and working on the road for the next 6 months will also have access to wages as well as other side opportunities that will be generated for others in the two communities.
With construction of the roads is about to begin, the Antioch and Valesala communities are looking forward to a future where better road access leads to greater opportunities, improved quality of life, and long-term growth.
Caption: An excited mother with her baby doing her presentation during the training.
Caption: CBSP -2 Project Manager welcoming the trainee's during the opening of the program.
Caption: Successful graduands from the first batch of the Work Readiness Training.
Caption: Second batch of graduands from the Work Readiness training.
Caption: This is the current road condition of Antioch-Valesala Road.
Caption: Drone footage of the poor road conditions in Antioch.
For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com
Tina Hydropower development project
+677 25133
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)
The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.
Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com
A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. www.tina-hydro.com |
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