It was a relief for the communities of Sakafou, Gwaiano and Siubongi (SGS) after the completion of their long awaited project.

SGS Jacobs ladder was funded by the Malaita Provincial Government, under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as a result of much negotiations by the communities through their Ward Member, Honourable Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 29, Mr. Alick Maeaba.

 

The SGS stairway project runs from Busufo’osae school and clinic through a steep terrace to Sakafou community, passes Gwaiano community and ends at Siubongi community some three (3) kilometres up the mountain. There are no road connections to SGS communities except for bush tracks. It takes around 2 hours to trek from the main road to the Busufo’osae village where the ladder was constructed. In addition, the approximate distance to walk up the hill is around three (3) km and it takes around one (1) hour to reach Siubongi community where the stairways ended.

 

The community has experienced draw backs in recent years as the only means to access the village was to climb the steep and muddy tracks. There were instances where villages got involved in accidents along the path especially during bad weather or in the event of emergencies. For example, a pregnant mother has to deliver her new born baby along the precipitous path as she could no longer resuscitate the chance to do proper delivery at the nearby clinic located at Busufo’osae community.

 

The completion of this project guarantees safe travels for recipients in SGS. Accidents will now be avoided especially people climbing up or down the stairs during bad weather.