Community leaders of Burns Creek in East Honiara have taken matters into their own hands after months of unanswered requests from authorities over the poor condition of their main access road.
In 2025, the Burns Creek Community Leadership formally submitted request letters to both the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the East Honiara Constituency Office, highlighting the urgent need for maintenance of the deteriorating road.
However, community leaders say no positive response has been received to date, raising concerns that Burns Creek may not be seen as a priority.
Despite this setback, leaders say the condition of the road remains a daily challenge for residents who rely on it for work, school, church, and access to essential services.
Recognising the urgency, church and community leaders convened a meeting on Sunday 25 January 2026 at Mercy School Hall, where a united decision was made to act.
Leaders representing 10 churches—the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA), St Vincent, St James, Church of Christ (COC), Destiny Church, Assemblies of God (AOG) Shalom, Salvation Army, Rhema Church, AOG, and Movement Church—met alongside community leaders to discuss a way forward.
The meeting resolved that the community could not afford to wait any longer. Instead, the churches, in partnership with community stakeholders, will organise a community working bee to carry out basic road maintenance.
The activity is scheduled start on Monday, 2 February 2026, from 9:00am to 12:00pm, with community members encouraged to contribute their manpower and stand together in unity.
Organisers say the initiative reflects the “Burns Creek for Christ” vision, which focuses not only on spiritual growth but also on addressing the physical needs of the community.
“This is about walking the talk,” community leaders said. “We want our young people to see that we do not sit and wait for change—we step out, serve, and take responsibility.”
The Chairman of the Burns Creek Community said seeing church and community leaders working side by side is a powerful sign of the transformation taking place within Burns Creek.
“It builds trust, unity, and shows that service is part of our faith and our leadership,” he said.
“Our hope is that young people grow in Christ and in character, and that Burns Creek becomes a community where people trust and support each other.”
Chief Peter Kosemu, described by leaders as an agent of change, expressed optimism about the initiative.
He said he looks forward to seeing Burns Creek produce “champions of change” and develop a strong, leader-filled community spirit.
Community leaders have reiterated their call for authorities to take note of the situation, while affirming that unity, service, and collective responsibility remain the foundation of Burns Creek’s progress.
– Burnscreek Community Association
