SEASONAL workers from Malaita Province are making a lasting impact back home, helping to rehabilitate the Namobauala–Gwaisusru feeder road in Central Kwara’ae Constituency.
The road, which links more than 800 residents to schools, health clinics, markets, and the provincial capital Auki, had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect.
For many families, poor access meant daily struggles to reach essential services and economic opportunities.
That is now changing through community fundraising efforts and the vital contributions of Malaitans working in Australia under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
William Alufo’oa, who works in Victoria, said the initiative came from community leaders who appealed for support from workers abroad.
“The community is where we have started,” he explained.
“We use this road to access schools, clinics, markets, villages, and government services. We knew we had to act.”
David Alufo’oa, a member of the Namobauala–Gwaisusru Road Project Committee, said the sacrifices of seasonal workers have been critical to sustaining the project.
“More than ten of our community members are currently working in Australia under the Labour Mobility Scheme.
Even though they are far away, they continue to support us because this road directly serves their families and communities,” he said.
He added that while government attention to rural infrastructure has been limited, the effort of workers overseas demonstrates the strength of grassroots initiatives.
“With their financial support, we can push forward with rehabilitation work that would otherwise be impossible. It shows the heart and dedication of our people overseas who never forget where they come from.”
Despite challenges such as limited machinery, the project continues to progress through the combined efforts of the community and support from seasonal workers.
The Namobauala–Gwaisusru road project is more than just a local upgrade—it highlights how labour mobility is transforming home communities.
For many Malaitans, it is a story of resilience, unity, and the enduring connection between overseas workers and their villages.
Currently, around 10,000 Solomon Islanders are employed under the PALM scheme in Australia.
Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Peter Shannel Agovaka recently acknowledged the scheme’s impact and expressed hope to increase participation to 20,000 workers.
He also announced the establishment of two new Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) structures—the Standard LMU and LMU Plus—to support this expansion.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
In Melbourne, Australia
Photo caption: Villagers use tools provided by local seasonal workers in Australia. Photo: David Alufooa.
