CAUSE II: Empowering Solomon Islands' Urban Centers
Discover how the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) project is transforming urban life in the Solomon Islands through climate-resilient infrastructure, economic inclusion, and improved service delivery.
What is CAUSE II?
The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) is a transformative project aimed at improving the quality of life in urban centers across the Solomon Islands. Supported by World Bank financing and Australia, CAUSE II focuses on three key areas: enhancing access to climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting economic inclusion, and strengthening the capacity of national and local authorities to deliver essential services.
This ambitious initiative builds upon the successes and lessons learned from its predecessor, CAUSE I, expanding its scope to address more comprehensive urban infrastructure and service needs. By investing in sustainable development, CAUSE II aims to create more livable, resilient, and prosperous urban communities throughout the Solomon Islands.

1

Infrastructure Development
Constructing and rehabilitating climate-resilient public infrastructure such as roads, drainage systems, and coastal protection measures.

2

Economic Inclusion
Creating opportunities for local businesses and individuals to participate in the urban economy through improved market facilities and skill development programs.

3

Capacity Building
Strengthening the abilities of national and local authorities to plan, implement, and maintain urban services and infrastructure effectively.
Project Coverage and Duration
CAUSE II extends its reach across several key urban centers in the Solomon Islands, ensuring a wide-ranging impact on the country's urban development. The project covers Honiara City, the capital and largest urban area, as well as urban and peri-urban areas in three provinces: Guadalcanal, Malaita (focusing on Auki), and Western Province (including Gizo, Noro, and Munda).
Set to run from 2024 to 2030, CAUSE II provides a six-year window for substantial urban transformation. This extended timeframe allows for comprehensive planning, implementation, and monitoring of various infrastructure projects and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, the project's flexibility is demonstrated by the potential inclusion of additional townships, which may be considered during the Mid-Term Review, allowing for adaptive management based on emerging needs and opportunities.
Project Timeline
2024: Project initiation and planning phase
2025-2029: Main implementation period
2030: Project completion and evaluation
Key Urban Centers
• Honiara City (Capital)
• Guadalcanal Province
• Auki (Malaita Province)
• Gizo, Noro, Munda (Western Province)
Potential Expansion
Additional townships may be included based on the Mid-Term Review findings, ensuring the project's responsiveness to evolving urban needs across the Solomon Islands.
Funding and Implementation
CAUSE II is made possible through a collaborative funding effort, bringing together international financial institutions and bilateral aid. The primary source of funding comes from the World Bank through an International Development Association (IDA) credit. This type of financing is specifically designed to support development in low-income countries, offering concessional terms that make it easier for the Solomon Islands to invest in its urban future.
Complementing the World Bank's contribution, Australia provides additional funding through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund. This partnership underscores the regional importance of urban development in the Pacific and Australia's commitment to supporting its neighbors.
Implementing Agencies
The project will be implemented primarily by the Honiara City Council (HCC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). These agencies will work in partnership with other national ministries and provincial authorities to ensure coordinated and effective project delivery across all targeted urban centers.
World Bank's Role
Beyond providing financing, the World Bank plays a crucial oversight role in CAUSE II. It will offer technical support and ensure the project's compliance with international environmental and social standards, helping to maximize the positive impact of the investments while minimizing potential negative effects.
Financial Management
The project will likely involve a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) to oversee financial disbursements, procurement processes, and overall project coordination, ensuring transparent and efficient use of funds throughout the project lifecycle.
Climate Resilience and Infrastructure
A cornerstone of CAUSE II is its focus on enhancing climate resilience across urban centers in the Solomon Islands. This emphasis is crucial given the country's vulnerability to natural disasters and the increasing impacts of climate change. The project invests in disaster and climate-resilient public infrastructure designed to withstand and mitigate the effects of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and other climate-related challenges.
Key infrastructure developments under CAUSE II include the construction and rehabilitation of roads with improved drainage systems, the building of robust footbridges and pedestrian pathways, and the implementation of coastal protection structures such as seawalls. These investments not only improve daily life for urban residents but also significantly reduce the risk of flooding and other climate-related disruptions.
Improved Roads
Climate-resilient road construction with enhanced drainage to prevent flooding and ensure year-round accessibility.
Sturdy Footbridges
Construction of durable footbridges to improve pedestrian safety and maintain connectivity during extreme weather events.
Coastal Protection
Implementation of seawalls and other coastal defense structures to guard against storm surges and sea-level rise.
Green Spaces
Development of urban green spaces to improve air quality, reduce urban heat island effects, and provide natural flood mitigation.
Economic Inclusion and Market Development
CAUSE II places a strong emphasis on enhancing economic inclusion across urban centers in the Solomon Islands. This focus aims to create more opportunities for local businesses and individuals to participate in and benefit from urban economic growth. A key component of this strategy is the development and improvement of market infrastructure, which plays a vital role in supporting local commerce and livelihoods.
The project will invest in constructing and rehabilitating market facilities, ensuring they are modern, hygienic, and accessible. These improved markets will provide better conditions for vendors, attracting more customers and potentially increasing incomes. Additionally, CAUSE II may include initiatives for skills development and microenterprise support, further boosting economic opportunities for urban residents.
1
Market Infrastructure
Construct and upgrade market facilities with improved sanitation, storage, and display areas.
2
Skills Development
Provide training programs to enhance business skills and financial literacy among market vendors and small entrepreneurs.
3
Economic Growth
Stimulate local economic activity, leading to increased incomes and improved livelihoods for urban residents.
Capacity Building for Local Authorities
A crucial aspect of CAUSE II is its commitment to strengthening the capacity of national and local authorities in the Solomon Islands to deliver essential urban services. This focus on capacity building aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project's investments and improve overall urban governance. By enhancing the skills and resources of local institutions, CAUSE II seeks to create a lasting impact that extends beyond the project's duration.
The capacity-building initiatives under CAUSE II are likely to encompass a range of activities, from technical training in infrastructure maintenance to workshops on urban planning and financial management. These efforts will equip local authorities with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively plan, implement, and maintain urban services and infrastructure.

1

Technical Skills Enhancement
Provide training on infrastructure maintenance, urban planning techniques, and the use of modern technologies for urban management.

2

Financial Management
Improve budgeting, accounting, and revenue collection capabilities to ensure sustainable funding for urban services.

3

Community Engagement
Develop strategies for effective community consultation and participation in urban development decisions.

4

Climate Resilience Planning
Train local authorities in assessing climate risks and incorporating resilience measures into urban development plans.
CAUSE II's Vision for Urban Transformation
CAUSE II represents a comprehensive approach to urban development in the Solomon Islands, building upon the foundations laid by its predecessor, CAUSE I. By expanding its scope and addressing a wider range of urban challenges, CAUSE II aims to create more livable, resilient, and prosperous urban centers across the country. This vision of urban transformation encompasses not just physical improvements, but also social and economic advancements that will benefit communities for years to come.
As the project progresses from 2024 to 2030, it is expected to bring about significant positive changes in the targeted urban areas. Improved infrastructure will enhance mobility and reduce vulnerability to climate-related disasters. Upgraded markets and economic inclusion initiatives will stimulate local economies and create new opportunities for urban residents. Strengthened local governance will ensure better service delivery and more responsive urban management.
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