Australia is providing new income generating opportunities to communities in North Malaita through the Direct Aid Program.
The Ehmunah Virgin Coconut Oil Processing Project will provide the local community with a coconut mill and assist coconut growers in the region to sell their produce.
Australian High Commissioner Andrew Byrne, accompanied by a delegation from the Australian High Commission, met coconut growers last week and participated in a ground breaking ceremony at the site of the mill.
“I’m proud to support the Ehmunah coconut mill project and commend everyone involved in the project for their efforts to build local capacity in North Malaita,” said High Commissioner Byrne.
“It was wonderful to meet the coconut growers who will benefit from this project and hear how it will transform their lives. They’ve told me the project will give people independence and pride, and that’s what Australia’s Direct Aid Program is all about.”
During their visit to Malaita, the delegation also visited the Talikali clinic, another recipient of Direct Aid Program funding. Through the project, the Australian government has provided two 3,000 litre water tanks and rain collection materials which will provide much needed clean drinking water to patients and health workers.
The Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program aims to improve livelihoods in some of Solomon Islands’ most remote and disadvantaged areas.
Media Release: Australian High Commission, Honiara
