Solomon Islands Water Authority is proud to announce the launch of its new mobile application “Solomon WaterCare”; the app is designed to make reporting of illegal connections, water and sewerage leaks, and faulty meters, easier and more efficient for customers and the general public. This innovative app is a significant step towards reducing Non-Revenue Water (NRW) and improving the overall efficiency of our water supply system.

The app offers easy reporting without the need for users to sign up. Simply open the app, tap the "Report Leak" button, take a photo or video of the issue, select the fault type, enter your name and contact details, and send the report. The app automatically reads the user's GPS location, ensuring that the report is accurately pinpointed and directed to SIWA's operations team. Usage of the app is completely free, and all personal details provided by the reporters will be kept confidential. To ensure accurate reporting, users are advised to turn on the GPS location on their phone for precise locations.

SIWA hopes that this app will be used by both customers and non-customers to help reduce NRW and foster a better understanding of the importance of reporting illegal connections and leaks. By making the reporting process simple and confidential, we aim to engage more members of the community in maintaining our water infrastructure and ensuring a reliable water supply for all.

"We are excited to launch this app as it represents a significant advancement in our efforts to improve water management and conservation," said Alice Aote’e; SIWA’s IT Coordinator. "We encourage everyone to download the app and contribute to the betterment of our water resources."

To download the Solomon WaterCare simply scan the QR Code on the Solomon Water facebook page. For more information about the Solomon WaterCare app, visit www.solomonwater.com.sb, contact our customer service on 44700, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Safe water for a healthy nation!

After months of diligent negotiations, Solomon Water is excited to announce a significant milestone in the Noro Water Supply Upgrade Project. On 29 October 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Solomon Water and the landowners of the Ziata source, marking a critical step forward in securing the water supply for Noro. This MOU is the result of a series of meetings and negotiations spanning several months, allowing for much-needed rehabilitation and upgrade of the water supply system, benefiting the community with improved water quality and security.

The signing took place at the Honiara Hotel. Representatives from the three tribal groups; Biku, Talasasa and Zinihite signed the MOU along with Carmine Piantedosi; Solomon Water CEO and Dr. Culwick Togamana; Chairman of the Solomon Water Board. Present at the signing was Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey and reps from the Prime Ministers Office.

Dr. Culwick Togamana & Carmine Piantedosi with signatories from the Biku, Talasasa & Zinihite tribal groups after signing the MOU.

In his remarks, Dr. Christopher Vehe, PS for Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification said “This MOU signing marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between water resource custodians which is you and us; we cannot be successful if we don’t have proper models in place that take into account the interest of land-owners and non-landowners alike”. He urged Solomon Water and the government to continue drive sustainable partnership with our people. He also emphasized that we need to strengthen this unification that was portrayed in the MOU signing today for development.

Partnership with Ziata Landowners

The Ziata source serves as a key water source for Noro, and cooperation with the landowners is crucial to the project’s success. The Biku, Talasasa, and Zinihite tribal groups have long been custodians of this source, and their active participation in the MOU discussions demonstrates their commitment to securing a sustainable water future for the region. This inclusive approach ensures that the interests of all stakeholders are respected, and it underscores Solomon Water’s commitment to working collaboratively with local communities.

Final discussions before signing of MOU on Tuesday 29th Nov 2024..

Project Overview

The Noro Water Supply Upgrade Project is part of Solomon Water’s Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), a vital initiative aimed at addressing critical water quality and supply issues in the growing town of Noro. The existing facilities are outdated, and the upgrade project will provide a modern water treatment plant (WTP), ensuring the community has access to safe, reliable drinking water.

The scope of the project includes the complete demolition of existing structures and the design, construction, and installation of a fully operational water intake system, treatment plant, and reservoir. Key components of the upgrade are:

• Sump and pumping system with water hammer protection
• Backwash water storage and pumps
• Chlorination system and sludge treatment pond
• Electricity, SCADA, PLC, and communication with the reservoir
• Office space for operators and associated site improvements, including fencing and access
• Demolition of redundant facilities and refurbishment of the intake and reservoir

These upgrades will transform the water supply infrastructure, ensuring it meets modern standards and can support Noro and surrounding community’s growing demand for clean water.

Renders of the New Noro inlet (L) and the New Noro Treatment Plant (R)

Looking Ahead

The signing of the MOU signals the start of construction activities, which will soon commence at the water treatment plant site. The project is expected to take several months to complete, with careful planning to minimize disruption to the public and the environment. By upgrading the water intake, treatment plant, and reservoir, Solomon Water is investing in the long-term resilience of Noro’s water supply, ensuring the town is well-prepared for future growth.

This project marks a pivotal moment in Solomon Water’s broader efforts to upgrade and modernize water infrastructure across the country. The successful collaboration with the Ziata landowners highlights the importance of community involvement in delivering sustainable, high-quality water services to all.

Solomon Water will provide further updates as construction commences.

Traffic Management Plan 1. Current Plan

• Motorists travelling eastward (to KGVI) will converge into a one-lane at the Panatina Plaza Junction and diverge into two-lanes after SINU Marine School (resealed part of road).
• Motorists travelling westward (to Kukum) will converge into one-lane before SINU Marine School and diverge into two-lanes after passing the Panatina Plaza Junction.
• Once parts of road have been resealed, we will issue another Plan with marked converge and diverge locations.

Traffic Management Plan 2. December 2024

• Motorists travelling eastward (to KGVI) will converge into one-lane at the Panatina Plaza Junction and diverge into two-lanes at SINU Marine School Entrance 2 (resealed part of road).
• Motorists travelling westward (to Kukum) will converge into one-lane at SINU Marine School Entrance 2 and diverge into a two-lanes after passing the Panatina Plaza Junction.
• Once parts of road have been resealed, we will issue another Plan with marked converge and diverge locations.

Traffic Management Plan 3. December 2024

• Motorists travelling eastward (to KGVI) will converge into one-lane at the SINU Kukum Junction and diverge into two-lanes at SINU Marine School Entrance 2 (resealed part of road).
• Motorists travelling westward (to Kukum) will converge into one-lane at SINU Marine School Entrance 2 and diverge into two-lanes after passing the SINU Kukum Junction.
• Once parts of road have been resealed, we will issue another Plan with marked converge and diverge locations.

Please note that these Plans may be adjusted based on weather conditions or other external factors.

For more information, please contact Customer Care Service.

Phone: 44700

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SolomonWater  

Building for the Future: Solomon Islands Water Authority’s Fisheries to Ranadi roundabout Sewer Project.

As Honiara continues to grow, so too does the need for better infrastructure to support the city's population. One of the most critical issues facing the capital today is sanitation. SIWA is stepping up to meet this challenge with its ambitious new Fisheries to Telekom Sewer project—a long-term solution that will address the sanitation needs of both current and future generations.

The Importance of Sanitation

While modern conveniences often go unnoticed, the role of proper sanitation is undeniably crucial to public health. A poll conducted by the British Medical Journal named sanitation as the greatest medical milestone of the last 150 years. Without effective systems to manage wastewater, communities face increased risks of disease, environmental damage, and unsanitary living conditions.

In Honiara, only around 700 properties are connected to the main sewer system, leaving many residents reliant on septic tanks or even less effective waste disposal methods. This is where the new sewer comes in. By laying down this extensive new pipe network, SIWA is not only enhancing the city’s current capabilities but also creating the capacity for over 13,000 new sewer connections. This investment will meet the city’s needs for at least the next 30 years.

The Scale of the Project

At first glance, it may be hard to grasp the sheer size of the project. The new sewer is a massive undertaking, with pipe diameters reaching up to 700mm—large enough for an adult to comfortably crawl through. The pipes are buried deep underground, with the deepest sections near Ranadi Roundabout being over 6 meters below the surface. This depth is necessary to ensure the system can rely on gravity to transport wastewater efficiently.

What Makes This Project So Complex?

Laying down a sewer of this magnitude comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most striking aspects of the project is the extensive use of heavy machinery. Excavators dig the trenches, drive in steel sheet piles to support the walls, and handle the removal and sorting of materials. As the construction is happening below the water table, powerful pumps are also working around the clock to drain excess water from the trench.

The steel sheet piles—those large W-shaped bare metal sections lining the edges of the trenches—are key to ensuring worker safety. These piles are driven deep into the ground and propped into place to prevent the trench from collapsing while workers lay the pipes. Safety protocols are stringent, as these large trenches can become hazardous without the right supports in place.

An added layer of complexity comes from the need for UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) surveys. Honiara, like many other areas in the Solomon Islands, still bears remnants of World War II. Before any section of the trench can be dug, thorough surveys must be conducted to ensure there are no unexploded munitions, and these surveys must be repeated at multiple levels of depth as the trench progresses.

Environmental Responsibility

Despite the scale of the excavation—an estimated 15 tonnes of material are removed for every meter of trench—SIWA is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the project. The company is taking steps to reuse as much excavated material as possible for backfilling, minimizing waste and limiting the number of truckloads that need to be transported offsite.

When Will It Be Done?

SIWA understands the inconvenience that construction can cause for residents and commuters. However, the benefits of the new sewer will far outweigh the temporary disruptions. The full project is expected to be completed by April 2025, with some sections of the road reopening earlier to help ease traffic congestion.

A Cleaner, Healthier Future for Honiara

Once complete, the Fisheries to Ranadi Sewer project will be a cornerstone of Honiara’s urban infrastructure. It will provide the city with the capacity to grow, meet its sanitation needs, and protect public health for decades to come. This is more than just a construction project—it’s a critical investment in the well-being and future of the people of Honiara.

SIWA remains committed to providing reliable, safe, and sustainable sanitation services to support Honiara’s continued development. This sewer project is one part of a broader vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient city.

SIWA will continue to keep the public informed about the progress of the Fisheries to Telekom Sewer project. Monthly updates will be provided to ensure the community stays up to date on construction milestones, road closures, and any developments related to the project. These updates will be available on Solomon Water’s website, social media platforms, and through regular press releases, allowing residents and stakeholders to follow the project’s journey until its completion in April 2025.

For more information, please contact Customer Care Service.

Phone: 44700

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SolomonWater