The Koriovuku community in ward 5 of Central Ranoggah, Western Province hosted its first open forum last week.
It was facilitated by the Ward Development Committee (WDC) with support from Western Provincial Ward Development Officers.
The forum was led by Provincial Ward Planning and Coordination Officer Miligan Pina. It was aimed at strengthening the role of the Ward 5 WDC in community planning and development.
Mr. Pina encouraged community members to actively take part in such forums to ensure transparency and clarity around ward-funded projects.
“This kind of forum must be attended by all community members, especially on how projects and things are done. You must be available to come and attend,” Mr. Pina told Solomon Star.
Ward 5 WDC Secretary Delson Pio also highlighted the importance of community input, revealing that while a three-year development plan (2025–2027) has been drafted, no specific priorities have been submitted by Ward 5 communities for the next two years.
Mr. Pio said, forms will soon be issued to each community to record and set their own development priorities, which will then be compiled by the provincial officers.
“This form will ensure what really matters to be done for the community projects, so each community must set its own priorities,” Mr. Pio said.
During the forum, community elders and participants also raised concerns over ongoing incomplete projects.
The Ward 5 WDC training program ran from 11th to 13th August, and concluded with the open forum on Thursday 14 August at the Koriovuku community hall.
A total of 76 participants attended the forum, the majority being women and girls, who made up 46 of the participants.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
