BETIKAMA Adventist College (BAC) located east of Honiara this morning takes delivery of its first ever public restroom at a cost of $435, 430.
The partnership project is jointly funded through the Australian Partnership Fund and Betikama Adventist College (BAC).
As partners in the project the Australian Government provides $305, 340 and Betikama College – $130, 000.
Since the school was established more than seventy years ago years ago it never has a public restroom where visitors and guests can access it. Most of the restrooms are located at the dormitories and office complex.
Thus, its one of the school’s long time wish.
Because of that, the completion of the project is being described by the College Principal Beven Tutuo as a ‘dream come true’ during his speech this morning.
“Wow, what can we say….Dream come true!.
“It is with immense gratitude and joy that we gather here today to celebrate the successful completion of the public restroom project at Betikama Adventist College.”
The completion of the project marks a significant milestone for the Adventist Church operated institution.
“It is one of the first major projects where we have sought and received from external agencies.
“It is a testament to the power of partnerships and the positive impact they bring to our school community,” the school boss says.
He extends the College’s heartfelt appreciation to the Australian Partnership Fund for the generous support in making this project a reality.
“Your contribution has addressed a critical need within our school, ensuring that our students – especially our young girls have quick and convenient access to proper restroom facilities.”
He explains that no longer will they have to walk long distances back to their dormitories, which will make a significant difference in their daily lives.
Additionally, during school meetings and conferences, these new facilities will serve the visiting guests, parents and the wider community, enhancing the overall experience for everyone, the principal expresses.
The principal also acknowledge that part of the grant provided by DFAT has also extended beyond the construction of the restroom project to assist in the much-needed renovation of the school’s old clinic situated close to the new restroom.
He said, this would enable students to have access to better health facility.
Lindsay Buckingham, Minister-Counsellor, Political within the Australian High Commission office in Honiara expressed delight to be part of the official handing over ceremony.
She congratulates the College for supporting the project to its completion.
She says, such a project is important in schools to ensure there is clean water and sanitation for students especially girls.
“By having access to clean water and washroom will help them in their learning and to concentrate on their studies.”
She says, the Australian Government is committed to supporting more community projects around the country.
Both the College and Australian Government also acknowledge the contractor – CS Vision Construction Ltd led by Charles Sisimia and his dedicated team for their outstanding workmanship.
“Your commitment to quality and excellence is evident in the final result, and we deeply appreciate the effort and expertise that went into bringing this vision to life,” says Principal Tutuo.
Ms Buckingham commends the contractor for completing the project ahead of the four months timeframe.
The project was completed within three months from April to June 2024, says Okano Gamara the Human Resource Officer of CS Vision Construction Ltd.
Mr Gamara who graces the occasion this morning informs Solomon Star, his team was pleased to have supported the project to its completion and looking forward for more projects.
Due to the ceremony, all classes for the morning periods have been suspended to allow the students and staff to witness the colourful ceremony.
This morning’s program feature a warriors’ welcome for the guests, speeches at the dinning hall before a parade to the new ablution block site for the official ribbon cutting ceremony.
The restroom features two seperate blocks for female and male which have four toilet rooms, mirrors, soap, taps and handwashing basins.
Two first year students Lestie Buka and Voke Orelly both form one students are excited to witness official opening.
“The facility is closure to our classroom so we can access the restroom now,” they said.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony, the guests briefly toured the facility.
Solomon Islands Mission Education Office was represented by Janelle Ripo.
BAC is located within the North West Guadalcanal Constituency.
Member of Parliament (MP) for North West Guadalcanal Francis Sade who is also invited as a guest is unable to attend, so as the Premier of Guadalcanal Willie Atu.
