IN A simple ceremony held at the HCC Chambers yesterday 8 February 2016, Rapid Employment Project (HCC) signed another contract with the Solo Enviro Beautification (SEB) for the landscaping of three community sites assisted by REP.

Deputy City Clerk Fred Warereau signed the contract on behalf of HCC, while Tony Bristow-Stagg, Executive Manager of SEB represented the contractor.

The contract consists of the landscaping of three Jacob’s ladders and footpaths located at Panatina Ridge (behind SINU campus), Panatina Community High School, and Kobito 1.

Under the contract, SEB shall provide all construction and landscaping materials, technical supervision and labour required for the works.

SEB is also providing the landscaping design for each site.

Works are expected to commence by the third week of February and to be completed by the end of March this year.

Mr Bristow-Stagg reported that in addition to the work to be funded by REP, SEB was able to source out additional funds for the improvement of the washing area along the creek at Kobito 1.

“These additional funds shall complement the landscaping work by improving the site with concrete slabs where mostly women do their daily laundry work and construction of cubicles to add privacy for those who bathe in the same area.”

During the signing ceremony REP Project Manager Salvador Jiao explained that “The landscaping work aims to beautify the community surroundings while protecting the steep slopes against erosion. As an added value to the activity, selected members of each community shall be hired and trained by SEB landscaping specialists in order for them to acquire new skills as well as help ensure the proper maintenance of the improvements over the long term. These workers have all undergone the REP’s Pre-Employment Training”.

In turn, City Clerk Charles Kelly expressed his appreciation for the project’s innovative way of engaging communities in saying “The council welcomes this collaboration between REP and SEB in addressing not only unemployment issues but also in raising environmental awareness among our city residents. Our people ought to be proud of themselves as they see how they are able to contribute to keeping the city clean and green!”

The current REP is winding down by the end of this year.

Over the past five years it has already exceeded its targets in terms of short term labour generation and the training of beneficiaries in life skills to improve their employability.

REP is jointly implemented by the HCC and MID, with funding support from the World Bank-IDA, and the Government of Australia through the Pacific Region Infrastructure Facility (PRIF).

— REP/HCC PRESS