Communities and students in West Kwaio constituency have received 53 new water tanks and a community hall delivered through the Solomon Islands-Australia Community Partnerships programme.

The West Kwaio Constituency Water Tanks and Sanitation Project covers more than 100 communities across the constituency. It installed 33 tanks of 3,000 litres and 20 tanks of 5,000 litres.

The Australian High Commission said the tanks will improve access to clean and safe water for drinking and cooking, and will play an important role in the health and wellbeing of communities throughout the constituency.

At Foubaba Community High School, a new community hall gives students, teachers and the wider community a permanent venue for school assemblies, graduations, parent-teacher meetings and other school events. The hall has capacity for up to 300 people and will also host cultural activities and community gatherings.

The High Commission thanked Hon Claudius Tei'ifi, Member of Parliament for West Kwaio, for his contribution to and support of the projects.

The two projects are among 342 community projects funded by Australia across every province and constituency since 2019, according to the release.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said Australia partners with communities across Solomon Islands and with members of parliament to deliver locally led development that responds to priorities communities identify themselves.

Roach said community infrastructure improves access to essential services, strengthens livelihoods and creates opportunities for communities, particularly in rural areas.

"What makes these projects particularly valuable is that they are identified, planned and delivered by communities themselves," Roach said.

He said putting local priorities at the centre allows communities and local leaders to deliver practical, sustainable outcomes that will benefit people for years to come.

The opening at Sinamauri community was attended by Australian High Commission Second Secretary Bridgette Cottrill and West Kwaio Constituency Development Officer and Assistant Project Coordinator Bobby Siarani.

The High Commission said the outcomes of the next round of Community Partnerships will be released later in October 2026, and the next round of funding will open in early 2027.