By Ednal Palmer

State Own Enterprise (SOE) Solomon Water says work on the project that currently disrupts Honiara’s eastern highway is expected to complete by March 2025.

In response to concerns raised in parliament by the Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale and Minister responsible for the SOE Bradley Tovosia, a statement from Solomon Water said the “Sewer Works – Fisheries to Ranadi Roundabout Project” has made significant progress.

The statement noted challenges, including delays due to the Pacific Games when the entire project had to be shut down for 11 weeks with trenches backfilled and the road temporarily resurfaced.

“Further delays have arisen due to exceptionally hard rock and excavation difficulties, and frequent heavy rains that cause flooding in the trenches. 

“These factors have slowed the civil works, but we remain committed to delivering the project in the shortest time possible.”

Opposition Leader Mathew Wale when debating the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2024 and commenting on the state of the country’s roads, said they are ‘horrible’. 

Wale added that Solomon Water created further problems to the eastern highway with their “endless work”.

“The work is taking too long. Productivity and economic loss from those travelling to industrial estates and east of town is huge. 

“This must be addressed, there must be contractual issues, levers that government has to make sure that work is done are there, but we just accept it as it is,” he said.

Mines and Energy Minister Bradley Tovosia admitted the issues, adding that in collaboration with the finance minister, they have agreed to take control of the SOE.

The “Sewer Works – Fisheries to Ranadi Roundabout Project valued at over SBD80M is one of Solomon Water’s key capital investment under their Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Program (UWSSSP). 

The project includes civil works, excavations and sheet piling, to enable the installation of 1.2 kilometers of large diameter (700mm) sewer pipes and related manholes up to 6 meters deep. 

Solomon Water explained that the project aims to enhance wastewater management in Honiara by improving the efficiency and capacity of the sewer system. 

“Once completed, it will help prevent sewer overflows and reduce the risk of environmental contamination, ensuring better protection of local water sources and contributing to public health.”