FORUM Solomon Islands International (FSII) has applauded Solomon Water for its recent achievements.
Solomon Water’s achievement was a result of funding assistance it received from Japan, through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Australia.
FSII chief executive officer, Benjamin Afuga said Solomon Water and JICA must be congratulated for the life-saving project which greatly alleviated water problems in Honiara and Auki.
“Many Honiara residents have experienced water problems or no water at all for a long time, therefore the JICA funded project comes as a life-saver as Honiara continues to expand,” Mr Afuga said.
“FSII as a concern citizens group would like to sincerely thank JICA and the good people of Japan and Australia for this life-saving assistance to our people,” Mr Afuga said.
Early September this year, a Grant Aid project funded by JICA was formally handed over to the national government and Solomon Water.
In his speech during the handover ceremony, General Manager of Solomon Water, Richard Austin said the Grant Aid project to improve water supplies has been a result of many years of working.
The Grant Aid project will benefit many people of Honiara and Auki, Malaita province’s capital, which faced severe water problems for a long time.
“As many will be aware, the first design studies were started in 2005. The project was expected to be completed in 2011, but serious problems with land acquisition for the operational sites delayed the progress,” Mr Austin said.
He acknowledged those involved in the project and said it is the result of much hard work by many people on all side of the project.
These include the various government ministries, JICA, the engineering consultants – Yachiyo Engineering, Kitano Construction Corp and Solomon Water.
The JICA funded project included the following:
· 4 borefields at Tasahe, Titinge, Skyline and Borderline, each with four boreholes
· 4 high lift pumping stations
· 6 treated water storage reservoirs at Tasahe, Titinge, Skyline, Borderline, Panatina and West Kola
· A turbidity removal plant at Kombito
· 32 km transmission pipeline of various diameters
· 3 boreholes in Auki.
Mr Austin said one of the vast improvements in Honiara include an additional 12.8ML per day or about 45% of additional capacity for water supply.
“It is enabling us to deliver more water to more people than ever before. Many customers who have not received water for several years, are now receiving water,” Mr Austin said.
He also added that water quality has improved drastically because the quality of water from the new boreholes is good.
“In times of heavy rain when water from Konguli is turbid and unsuitable, we will now be able to minimize the effect in our supply source that was originally included in this project,” Mr Austin added.
But he said it would be misleading to think that the JICA Grant Aid project is the solution to all our problems.
“It is not – but creates and excellent foundation for our water sources, water transmission and storage on which to build our future and improvements.
“It is the responsibility of all Solomon Islanders to support Solomon Water in its endeavors to become the best and provide ‘safe water for a healthy nation’,” Mr Austin added.
Meanwhile, Mr Afuga said FSII is pleased to learn of Solomon Water’s financial position, describing it as “now stable but delicate”.
In 2010, Solomon Water made a loss of $13.14m, in 2011 another of loss of $22.9m, but improved the books and made a profit of $9.86m in 2012, another significant profit of $11.12m in 2013 and a forecasted profit of $10m this year.
“There is palpable improvement in the financial characteristic of this SOE, therefore Solomon Water Board, Management, staff and customers must be congratulated,” Mr Afuga said.
“The leadership of chairman Phil Bradford, the direction of General Manager Mr Austin and the implementation/advice of their technical team are the cornerstone of these successful stories.
“FSII fully commend your dedication, professionalism and passion to achieve improved water supply to our people in Honiara and Auki.”
