Community Elder of Komukama, with two nursing students and the Head of School of Nursing Mr. Reuben Maβau cutting the ribbon to officially handover the sanitation project.
Press ReleaseΒ
14 November 2025
The Solomon Islands National University (SINU), through its Faculty of Nursing, proudly handed over a newly constructed sanitation facility to the Komukama community in East Guadalcanal, marking a significant milestone in community health promotion and student-led development work.
The facility, designed and built by Year 1 Nursing students as part of their community clinical attachment, aims to address pressing sanitation challenges and reduce the prevalence of preventable diseases within the rural community.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Head of School of Nursing, Mr. Reuben Maβau, expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration between the university and the Komukama community.
βIt is an honour to officially hand over this sanitation facility, a project that is both practical and symbolic. This is the first Year 1 student-led initiative to be fully funded and implemented as part of clinical attachment. It reflects our studentsβ compassion, dedication, and readiness to serve,β
Mr. Maβau said.
He acknowledged the leadership of Mr. Leon Manehoua, whose vision strengthened the concept of giving back to communities through applied learning. He also praised the Year 1 students for self-funding the project and demonstrating exceptional teamwork, responsibility, and innovation.
During their community assessment, nursing students observed that more than 40% of reported health issues in Guadalcanal Province are linked to poor sanitation. Conditions such as skin diseases (5.7%), ear infections (2.5%), diarrhea, and genital infections remain prevalent.
The new toilet facility is expected to support improved hygiene practices, reduce disease, and provide women, children, and the elderly with a safer and more dignified sanitation option.
βThis facility is a small but meaningful contribution,β Mr. Maβau added.
βIt aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals, supporting health, clean water, sustainable communities, and climate action.β
Youth representatives, community leaders, and elders expressed heartfelt gratitude to SINU and the nursing students.
On behalf of the youth, Mathias Matangiu thanked the students and faculty for their kindness and hard work.
βYour contributions, especially in providing essential resources such as this sanitation facility, have made a tremendous impact. This project will benefit not just Komukama, but surrounding communities as well,β Mathias shared.
Community Chair Mr. John Tule also acknowledged the longstanding partnership between SINU and the village.
βKomukama is very happy. This is the sixth time students have come, and we are always willing to welcome SINU students. The community is grateful for your hard work and dedication.β
Year 1 student representative Mr. Stanley Alatala thanked the community for warmly accepting the students throughout their placement.
βWe appreciate this opportunity to learn from and work with your community. This project is part of our learning, and we are proud to hand it over successfully.β
SINU reaffirmed its commitment to supporting rural communities through education, applied research, and community engagement.
βWhen university and community work together, we build more than infrastructure, we build trust and shared purpose,β Mr. Maβau noted as he officially handed over the facility.
The Komukama community will now take ownership of the sanitation facility, with encouragement to maintain and protect it for future generations.
As the nationβs leading tertiary institution, SINU remains committed to empowering communities, advancing local knowledge, and shaping the next generation of professionals for a stronger Solomon Islands.
ENDS//