By Georgina Maka’a
A multi-million-dollar water supply and sanitation project for the country was launched in Honiara today.
Visiting Fiji-based European Union ambassador to Solomon Islands Surijo Seam, was at hand to officiate at the event.
Seam said the $164 million (Euro 18 million) will improve access to safe water and improved sanitation in urban and peri-urban areas of Solomon Islands.
“The European Union has supported water, sanitation and hygiene in rural areas of Solomon Islands since 2014,” the ambassador stated
“This long-term commitment translates today into the EU contributing a grant of EUR 20 million towards this project, which will provide the people of Honiara and other urban areas with access to quality water, thus contributing to the improvement of people’s lives,” he added.
Seam also reaffirms EU’s role as a reliable partner of Solomon Islands and highlighted the excellent cooperation with the country through past and ongoing programmes.
About 25 percent of the country’s population of 640,000 live in urban and peri-urban areas, the largest of which is greater Honiara, with an estimated population of about 105,000
State-owned Solomon Water will be a key partner in this project.
Its board chairman, Donald Marahare said they are confident that through collective efforts they will deliver successful projects, address the funding gap, and advance Solomon Water’s vision “Safe water for a healthy nation.
“As you may be aware, Solomon Water is implementing a number of key UWSSSP (Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project)
projects,” Marahare said.
“This includes the Kongulai Water Treatment Plant, the Honiara Water Supply, Trunk Mains Upgrade, the Honiara Water Supply Reservoirs, the Hygiene Promotion Project and the WASH for Vulnerable Communities Project,” he added.
Marahare said the projects are critical to enhance and strengthen the water supply service Solomon Water delivers to people living in Honiara.
Seam and his team are scheduled to visit EU-funded projects in Central Islands Province tomorrow.