Sometimes, the best gifts arrive when we need them most — and often, when we least expect them.
For Gloria Siwainao, an Environmental Health Officer based in Auki, a pre-Easter trip to Honiara was meant for business.
But with her aging mother in mind, she also intended to purchase a 3000-litre water tank for their family home in Hauporo Village, West Are’are.
Water collection during the rainy season had become increasingly difficult, and the tank was a long-overdue necessity.
Then came the call that changed everything.
Gloria was announced as the winner of Solomon Water’s “Pay Bills & Win a 5000L Water Tank” promotion — a campaign rewarding responsible water bill payments with a grand prize valued between SBD $7000–$8000. Her reaction? A mix of shock, joy, and deep gratitude.
“Winning this tank felt like a need come true. I brought money with me to Honiara to buy a smaller tank, but this prize saved me that expense and gave me something even better,” Gloria shared with a smile as she stood beside the 5000L tank in Auki, ready to be transported back home.
A regular payer of her water bills — often twice a month — Gloria says her main motivation wasn’t the draw itself.
“I pay my bills on time because I don’t want water to be disconnected at my house. With the kind of work I do, I understand how important water is. A home without water is a disaster,” she said.
The prize tank will be taken to Hauporo, where it will serve her elderly mother and extended family by helping store water for washing, cooking, sanitation, and other household needs — especially during times of limited access or heavy rain.
The Solomon Water Communications Team travelled with Gloria to Auki to hand over the tank and capture her story — one that highlights the importance of access, reliability, and understanding the value of water.
“Managing water is a major issue in the Solomon Islands. People need to realise that paying your water bill is part of that. It keeps the system running, supports upgrades, and makes sure clean water reaches homes,” Gloria explained.
“As someone in health, I always emphasise that clean water and handwashing are critical for hygiene. It’s all connected.”
She also took a moment to commend Solomon Water Auki for service improvements over recent years.
“There were many problems in the past, but things have really improved. More houses now have access to water, and the network expansion is a big step forward. I’d encourage Solomon Water to keep up with awareness campaigns, especially on using water wisely and helping customers understand how the system works.”
For Ms Lucy Habu, Manager Retail at Solomon Water, Gloria’s win was a perfect example of the promotion’s goal in action.
“She was in Honiara to buy a tank for her mother — and instead, wins one just by doing what she always does: paying her bill. Her story touched us all. It’s a beautiful reminder that small, responsible actions can lead to something greater,” said Ms Habu.
Running from September 2024 to April 2025, the “Pay Bills & Win a Tank” campaign was open to residential customers in Honiara, Auki, Tulagi, and Noro. Every water bill payment or prepaid top-up was an automatic entry into the draw.
While only one winner could take home the tank, Solomon Water says the campaign succeeded in strengthening awareness around responsible billing and water service sustainability.
“When people understand how their payments support the whole system — from treatment to distribution to maintenance — we build stronger partnerships with our customers,” Ms Habu added.
As Gloria prepares to send the tank home to Hauporo, It stands as a gift of purpose, not just luck. It represents security, love, and the power of showing up — both for your family and your community.
– Solomon Water Press
