Ministry of Tourism and Cultuure funds Conflict Bay Lodge

After almost four years of personal sacrifices, the Conflict Bay Lodge received support from the Government through the Ministry of Tourism and Culture funding.

The funding comes in the form of solar unit which including freezer and lightings, plus a fibreglass canoe totalling to SBD $50,000.

Mr. Elijah Maumamura, the Conflict Bay Lodge managing director thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Culture for the timely funding to his lodge in Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal.

“As a growing local tourism operator in Marau Sound, to get recognition is something my workers and myself are humble to thank the Ministry of Tourism”, said Maumamura. “But such support is something we as operators should earn through hard work to go further in rural development and creating more employments in our rural communities”.

For sometimes, his lodge experienced food storage problems-especially to preserve seafood, meat, and vegetables bought from local fishermen and farmers.

The new solar unit will boost our services not only in food storage; but also drinks, lighting, and charging basic electronic appliances of the guests.

With the new fibre glass canoe Mr. Maumamura said the island tour packages will be cheaper, as the cost of boat hire will be reduced.

Speaking on behalf of the Tourism Department, the Principal Tourism officer for Investment, Mr. Mark Ligo said the Government through the Tourism Department is glad to see the grants touching the lives of the rural communities through genuine operators. And ecotourism is one way which we can improve the quality of lives of our rural people

"The Conflict Bay Lodge is a classic example of how the rural people can be empowered to develop tourism, using their resources", said Ligo.

Having the new solar system, it will help in keeping meats and drinks chill for our guests to enjoy after each day's outdoor activities.

Conflict Bay Lodge is just three minutes walk from the Marau Airport.