Dear Editor – I am a resident of West Honiara for more than four years now.
As you are aware, most, if not all, of the residents of West Honiara rely on the Solomon Water Kongulae gravity feed for their water supply needs.
However, as of Saturday 3rd October West Honiara has been without water to date.
I made a call to Solomon Water earlier this week to enquire as to what could be the possible explanation/reason for the disruption of water supply.
I was informed that the Kongulae water is drying up because of the drought season. As such, the pressure is not enough to ensure the supply of fresh water reaches households.
In other words, the well is drying up so to speak, perhaps. Probably it is associated with El Niño and its effect currently experienced in relevant parts of the world.
We have read or heard in the media of the experiences other countries are currently going through because of the dry season.
People in the highlands of PNG are dying because the dry season had affected production of crops for subsistence purposes which in turn affects food security.
Lately, some parts of our country are airing their voice of similar situations.
So what is my point?
Those who rely on the Solomon Water Kongulae gravity feed are now without water because of the drought.
Those who rely on bore holes may not be able to sustain their water needs if the drought continues.
I know this is not a readily baked story for the public’s consumption. But maybe perhaps your good paper could run an investigative report into this as this is very relevant for our own purposes.
I guess the fundamental questions to ask are:
1. What is Solomon Water’s plan on this, ensuring customers are kept satisfied? Are there other alternatives?
2. What is the Government’s position on this? Are there relevant policies in place to cater for such situations? If NO, then what is the Government intending to do about it? How would the Government respond to this matter of public importance?
Should it qualifies to be featured in your paper, I look forward to reading it.
I thank you for your time and understanding.
Jefferson Hallu
National Parliament Office
