SOLOMON Islands Water Authority, trading as Solomon Water, unveiled its Strategic Plan for the next 30 years to the public this week.
The SOE’s Strategic Plan, which sets out its focus up until 2047, was developed for Solomon Water by Australian firm Hunter H20.
A Tariff Review is also part of the plan and this will be discussed with Government in a few months’ time.
The work will be undertaken in phases but the main goal is to ensure Solomon Islands has a stable, healthy and safe urban water and waste water supply for the next 30 years.
Board Chairman Phil Bradford says the work plan is an ambitious foundation for the organisation’s future.
“The work we’ve set ourselves to achieve over the next 30 years is ambitious, and I’m more than confident we will achieve what we’re setting out to do,” Mr Bradford said.
“The outcome will have a positive impact on everyone’s lives,” he added.
“The plan will help us to focus in on where our attention needs to go, so we can continue to provide a great service to our current and future customers.
“I would like to thank the Australian High Commission for helping us jointly fund this plan, and our stakeholders, government ministries and other donor partners for their support to achieve this very important piece of work.”
Solomon Water General Manager, Ian Gooden says the plan gives staff and management clear direction for the future.
“Most of the work is about maintaining and developing not only our networks, pump stations and natural resources to deliver clean, safe, healthy water, but it’s also about developing our people and their capacity as well to deliver on our ambitious plan,” Mr Gooden said.
“The most important and urgent requirement is to secure more water for Honiara which will otherwise be subject to rationing again in a few years due to its rapid growth,” he added.
“The work, while spread across 30 years, is broken down to five-year periods, so we can ensure we have the funding and the internal resources and talent needed to achieve things.
“We will need a lot of donor and Solomon Islands Government support to fund this plan and are negotiating with a few donors at present.
“My staff and my management team are really excited about the future and what can be achieved by Solomon Water.
“We’re hoping to start phasing some of the work in shortly.”
The report was presented to Prime Minister Rick Hou as part of the consultation and he commended the report and assured Solomon water that there is a need for SIG’s commitment
An overview of the Draft Strategic Plan can be found on Solomon Water’s website: www.solomonwater.com.sb/
