The recent decision to repeal the State-Owned Enterprises (SOE) Act has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding its impact on Solomon Water.

Contrary to what has been reported in the media, this decision was not made in the best interest of the authority.

It not only undermines the extensive reforms and governance structures established by previous governments but also weakens the robust framework developed by the Board, of which I have been very fortunate to be part of as a member.

The purpose of the SOE Act is to enhance the performance of State Owned Enterprises so that they provide the best possible service for the people and to the long term economic and social development of Solomon Islands.

This move threatens to reverse years of progress toward strengthening transparency and accountability, leaving Solomon Water vulnerable to potential mismanagement.

It is crucial to acknowledge the efforts and dedication of those who have worked diligently to build a transparent and resilient governance system, which now stands compromised by this decision.

With almost six years of experience as a Board Member and Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Solomon Islands Water Authority, I am confident that the Board has played a pivotal role in strengthening the governance framework of Solomon Water.

The Board’s primary responsibility has been to establish sound policies and rules that provide effective oversight and management of Solomon Water’s operations.

These policies have been carefully implemented and continuously monitored to ensure alignment with the organization’s corporate strategy and the SOE Act.

This approach underscores the Board’s commitment to upholding high standards of governance, accountability, and transparency, ensuring that Solomon Water maintains best practice in its administration and service delivery, despite the challenges encountered.

I wish to respectfully share one of the biggest challenges we were confronted with in the lead-up to the decision to remove the Board and repeal the SOE Act.

During this period, we faced several instances of undue pressure, including threats to dissolve the Board if we did not comply with directives to reverse a decision involving the termination of a contractor.

While the outcome was not entirely unexpected, it sets a troubling precedent, prioritizing external interests over what was best for Solomon Water and its stakeholders.

In my opinion, the unfortunate repeal of the SOE Act (was) used as a superior moral justification for external interests.

This unfortunate turn of events illustrates the complexities and pressures that members of the Board faced in the pursuit to uphold the principles of good governance and accountability.

Sadly, the fear of speaking up or voicing concerns is palpable, as the threat of repercussions or reprisals looms large — an all too real and intimidating barrier for many.

Despite the challenges, the board continued to remain steadfast in advocating for a governance structure for which it believed truly served both the organization and the public with transparency and responsibility.

I urge all Solomon Islanders to consider the implications of the SOE Act’s absence on the future of Solomon Water — what it means for our only water authority and why this should be a matter of serious concern.

Though a setback, this should not discourage any advocacy for reforms that promote the sustainable and efficient operation of Solomon Water and other state-owned enterprises.

We must continue our collaborative efforts to find sustainable solutions that balance the interests of all parties, while safeguarding the long-term future of these organizations.

By working together, we can not only uphold the values of good governance but also build a brighter, more resilient future where these entities thrive and continue to serve our people with greater effectiveness and transparency.

Looking forward, it is crucial to engage in open and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders, including government officials, to address the challenges facing Solomon Water.

Through collaboration and mutual understanding, we can create a pathway toward a better future — one that upholds the principles of good governance and places the well-being of the communities we serve at the forefront.

I very much believe that any journey towards improvement and success, needs good governance (and) with the support from any government of the day who are there to serve the people.

As we navigate through a period of uncertainty and shifting circumstances, let’s be reminded of our motto, to lead is to serve.