SOLOMON Islands Government and the World Bank have agreed to extend Rapid Employment Project (REP) for another few years in the country.

The REP Project Manager Mr Salvador Jiao said the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank already agreed on REP’s second phase to be operated in the country for another five or six years, starting next year.

He uttered during the official launching of new footpath at Mbaranaba-Panatina Ridge which was attended by leaders of the government and community leaders last week.

Mr Jiao said the new agreement has REP on radar to support Solomon Islands, adding that they are expecting bigger resources to do more for communities.

For this year, Mr Jiao said they anticipate the close of the project’s first phase next year, reassuring that REP still has more room for implementing projects this year.

“We aiming to build seven pathways this year and maintenance to projects done couple of years back since the initial implementation of the project,” Mr Jiao said.

Meanwhile, he commended Mbaranaba Ridge community for its accomplishment of a new pathway, which he describes as a testimony to cooperation.

“Our part, we only here because it is our duty and at the same time it’s all of us working together to help other people too, and as much as we would like to address everybody’s request, the resources a still limited,” Mr Jiao said.

Community representative, Mrs Anna Roto during official launching last week conveyed her community’s appreciation to REP for solving what she says was ‘a long-standing issue’ there.

She revealed that the issue had affected women and children much.