Solomon Water (SW) is working hard to improve water infrastructure in the country to ensure consistent water supply reaches homes, schools, workplaces and healthcare facilities.
Solomon Water Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carmine Piantedosi highlighted this, Thursday, at the commemoration of the Global Hand Washing Day.
The annual event was held at the Dreamcast Theater Hub in China Town, Honiara.
“Water is fundamental for maintaining hygiene in homes, schools, workplaces and Healthcare facilities.”
As part of their ongoing efforts, Solomon Water continues to improve water infrastructure and consistent water supply, he said.
“We are continually upgrading and expanding our water supply infrastructure and connecting households so they can have access to supply of clean safe running water for handwashing, cooking and cleaning.
“This is the first line of defense to preventing diseases.
“We are expanding access to water in more areas and communities so they can have access to clean running water,” Piantedosi said.
The CEO said that Solomon Water is partnering with government agencies, health organizations and NGOs to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing and to ensure that communities have access to clean and safe running water.
“We work together to strengthen community resilience against illness through better hygiene practices.
“We are there to support communities, in providing water services even during times of water shortages and crisis’s such as pandemics.
“We focus our efforts to respond to the needs of the communities and prioritize access to water ensuring public health is safeguarded,” he said.
He added, Solomon Water is committed to supporting healthy communities by providing reliable, safe water, which is essential to effective hand washing practices.
“Solomon Water is not just a water provider. It plays a crucial role in promoting better public health by ensuring access to clean, treated water that is safe to drink and for handwashing,” CEO Piantedosi added.
Asian Development Bank (ADB) Senior Country Officer Dalcy Tozaka who was also present at the occasion highlighted that Solomon Water and ADB are currently implementing the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP) which will operate from 2019 – 2028.
“This project complements Solomon Water’s strategic objectives by including a program of work that will improve the WASH status of residents of urban and informal settlements in and around Honiara and Solomon Islands.
“Thousands of new household connections have resulted from this work.”
She said, in recognizing the growing gaps in access to water and sanitation in urban areas in the Solomon Islands, Solomon Water has significantly increased access to piped water supplies, and supported a dedicated program of work to improve household sanitation technology and improve hygiene practices.
By RAYMOND HULANGA
Solomon Star, Honiara
