BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Bubulu village has kept strong sanitation standards after being declared a No Open Defecation (NOD) village, North Guadalcanal in 2022, according to a recent Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assessment in Guadalcanal Province.
The assessment, carried out across four rural communities of Bebe, Bubulu, Popoloi and Tumurara, shows Bubulu as a positive example of community ownership and better hygiene practices.
In Bubulu there are 10 households, and nine have toilets, while the remaining household is a new home still finishing its sanitation facilities.
Community members say they continue to use toilets and practice good hygiene, helping keep the village clean and reducing waterborne disease risks.
Despite these gains, the report says continued support is needed for new households and regular monitoring to maintain progress.
It also warns that Bubulu is vulnerable to flooding, which can damage toilets and contaminate water sources during heavy rain.
A local resident said, “We are happy with the changes, but we still need help to protect our toilets during floods.”
The assessment urges partners to include climate-resilient designs in future sanitation and water projects.
Across the four villages, 37 households were assessed, showing a wider need for inclusive and sustainable WASH services.
While Bubulu stands out as a success, keeping NOD status will need ongoing commitment and community effort.
Project partners are encouraged to continue support through monitoring, education, and flood-resistant sanitation planning to protect community health.
Bubulu is seen as a model village, but it must continue working with partners, leaders and families to keep toilets in use, improve water safety, and prepare for climate impacts so that children and families stay healthy in the future. Community leaders say ongoing cooperation is essential for long-term health and sanitation success.
Residents hope for continued government and partner support to strengthen resilience, protect clean water sources, and ensure all households maintain safe and dignified sanitation practices going forward.
