The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) has opened its new Tingoa Meteorological Station in Rennell and Bellona Province.
The completion of the project has been described as a milestone in the history of Meteorological Services in the Solomon Islands.
Director of MET Service David Hiriasia said:
“As of last Thursday night Tingoa Meteorological Office started doing weather observation and reporting information for transmission to the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Data Centers.
“The Tingoa Meteorological Station is a strategic location for tropical cyclone monitoring and as such, meteorological information from this new station will play a very important role in the tropical cyclone early warnings for Solomon Islands and the region.”
The project was fully funded by the Solomon Islands Government through its development budget.
Construction on the office started around 2011 and was completed around 2012.
“The other component of the project such as construction of an instrument enclosure, procurement of instruments and installation of equipment were the challenge as funding for the project was only done for one financial year.
“Despite the challenge, these components were completed in the 1st quarter of 2015.”
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
