THE multi-million Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) water project has not been in full operation as scheduled due to technical faults.
Answering a question in Parliament on the status of the JICA Water project in Honiara and Auki, Minister for Mines Energy and Rural Electrification Moses Garu said a test conducted in January unearthed hiccups.
“The construction of the project was completed in January 2014. The acceptance test was performed by the contracted, Kitano Construction Ltd under the supervision of the consultant engineers to the project, the Ajio Engineering Company Ltd and was witnessed by Solomon Water.
‘The acceptance tests at the new facilities in Auki, Tasahe and Borderline bore filled systems in Honiara were concluded successfully.
‘However, the same test at Titinge and Skyline bore filled systems were abandoned due to insufficient yield of water from several of the bore holes and the occurrence of other faults.
“Electrical control faults were identified during the test. It has been determined that the faults identified is common to all nineteen bore hole pumping systems.
“Since January 2014, Solomon Water has held discussions with the Ajio Engineering Ltd that represent and advise Solomon Water as their client and with Kitano Construction.
“As a result of this discussion, an engineer is in Honiara to look into the problems and to propose possible solutions.
“All parties will come to a common understanding when this investigation is completed.”
Mr Garu however said the improvement of water pressure in Honiara is because the Titinge, Skyline and Borderline systems have been operational for a considerable period.
He added that the system in Auki is not yet operational and has not been handed over to Solomon Water.
A total of nineteen bore holes, five water reservoirs, five pumping stations, one timidity facility and a standby power supply system were built under the project.
The project was completed in January this year.
The project costed JICA some $21.3 million.
By EDNAL PALMER
