Housing Project at Koroipita 2 (K2) Community Development near Lautoka, Fiji.
Update on Rotary 3H grant
PDG Lew Pretorius – Chairman Rotary District 9830 International Partner committee.
Funding finalised!
Together with two lots of funds already deposited in 2007 and March 2011 into the project bank account by Rotary International as part of the $USD300000 3H grant, the New Zealand Aid Programmes (NZAP) grant funding agreement applied for in December last year by Project Director Peter Drysdale and the project staff, was at last signed on June 22nd 2011 much to the relief of all concerned. The NZAP funding will be provided over the next 5 years to completion of Koroipita Stage 2.
The Fiji Government once again came to the party with GAP funding along with individual Rotarians, Rotary Clubs and other overseas community organisations to keep the building materials up to teams until NZAP agreement was finalised. A local NGO organisation, Habitat for Humanity will be auspicing (legal) contracted entity for the NZAP funds.
Progress made and Volunteer efforts
The volunteer season is in full swing with 21 out of 164 homes proposed already built and more being complete
d by hard working teams. Twelve homes were built last year and are occupied, and 9 have been built so far this volunteer season. One visitor reports being privileged to meet a young mother of four who had just moved into one of the new homes – their belongings consisting of just some blankets in the corner of the empty house. The lady however was delighted as she advised the home was more than she could ever have dreamed possible for her and her children, particularly that they could attend the little kindy for free!
The Great Hall can now be finished along with a workshop. Tiling in areas of the hall is complete, concrete pavers and retaining wall beams have been made, male and female toilets, fitting out of the kitchen, fire alarm and burglar wiring to be completed soon.
Rtn Tom and Marilyn Goninon are currently doing a long term stint assisting Project Director Peter while 9 teams have served in this season with another 7 at least to come before the close.
Tassie clubs that have served are Salamanca, Launceston West, with Central Launceston leaving 13th August followed by Devonport South East Westbury and Salamanca have already booked a time slot for the 2012 season. Club teams wishing to register interest for 2012 should contact PDG Lew Pretorius for more information on 0438 131 669.
In-house engineer?
Project Director Peter advises he could be looking for an in-house professional engineer for the next 18 months. This has been provided for in the budget although in the interim he is negotiating with a local firm to provide part time input for the next 4 months.
Infrastructure has moved ahead well since the first sod was turned in February last year. The 3rd annual 3H report was audited and submitted to Rotary International and given approval in Febuary 2011. Work has begun on compiling the 4th annual report so any returned teams who have photos showing interaction between the local community and Rotary volunteers would be welcomed by PDG Lew on email to provide a selection for the report to demonstrate the commitment of D9830 to this project. Lew would also appreciate being advised of the photographer’s name and permission to utilise publically to promote Rotary through the photos provided. 
Community Development
The basis of the 3H grant application was to provide funds for infrastructure, clean water, septic systems, building equipment and a vehicle, while NZ funds were to provide the house materials, plans, community halls and many other costs along with assistance from the Fiji Government. Rotary assisted by other community volunteers committed to build the homes where possible in conjunction with community members as they learnt more skills.
All three partners were also committed to aiding these fragile people to settle into a safe, cyclone proof, proper community - to give their children the opportunity to attend school – many for the first time - encourage families to grow their own food on their lots - re-train adults on income producing projects such as crafts, sewing, building, surveying and other trades - train them on managing their community affairs - teach them budgeting and provide a kindergarten for their little ones. It is pleasing to see how far they have come towards self-sufficiency.
Education
Tasmanian Rotary clubs have done a wonderful job in working with local schools in the area to provide additional equipment to ensure K1 & K2 children have ample educational opportunities. In the beginning of K1 very few children went to school, now 154 Koroipita children are enrolled at 17 local schools in the area. The parents are now beginning to earn sufficient funds to help contribute to the children’s school fees thereby reducing the need to call on Rotary donations. Play equipment has be
en sent from Tasmania in a container to be installed by PP Terry Lobban of R.C Bellerive.
Sports and Social
Various sporting groups have been formed with much competition for the equitable use of the oval. Various women’s groups have been formed – craft group, sewing group and many other.
Social evenings are sometimes now being planned by the various committees.
Photos by :- Rtn Joe Meuris , Anna, Tahiti Times and Rotaractor Ben O'Connor, Rotaract Club of Belmont.
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