The Solomon Islands Government, through the Cabinet, has removed Solomon Water from being a State Owned Enterprise (SOE).
The decision was gazetted yesterday on Gazette No. 132 dated August 26, 2024.
Following the Cabinet’s decision made two weeks ago, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mines Bradley Tovosia confirmed to parliament last week.
“We have removed the SOE title from Solomon Water, and now we have taken it onboard during last Thursday’s cabinet meeting. We have taken steps because the foreigners are coming in and driving the Solomon Water Board.”
He told Parliament that the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification will be taking full control of the former SOE.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Chris Vehe said the decision has been made by the government.
“That was the decision taken by the executive Government through Cabinet endorsement. This has been gazetted yesterday. The Cabinet has made the decision earlier.”
Solomon Water CEO Carmine Piantedosi is yet to respond to an email sent to him this morning.
Meanwhile, it is understood that Solomon Water staff had a meeting this afternoon to discuss the issue.
It is also understood that the Solomon Water CEO will be meeting with the government tomorrow.
Solomon Water is the second SOE to be removed from the SOE status after the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), which was removed in 2022.