The current adverse weather conditions has forced Solomon Water to close off its Kongulai Pump Station, which supplies about 60% of its customers in Honiara. The shutdown was due to the high turbidity (silt and dirt particles in the water) experienced from the continuous rainfall experienced over the week.
Solomon Water Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ian Gooden, said "Solomon Water action is necessary to ensure that quality and safe water is distributed to the customers. One of the reasons for the shutdown during wet weather is because Solomon Water does not have a Water Treatment Plant to filter out the dirt in the water during heavy rainfalls, therefore the only option is to shut the system until the water is safe for distribution. If we kept on producing water the disinfection process cannot kill any bacteria in the water, making it potentially unsafe for drinking. The silt will also clog up customers pipes and systems."
We have similar trouble at Rove and Kombito making it very difficult to produce enough water for the city.
Solomon Waters Operations Team are currently monitoring the situation and, should the quality of the river water improve, supply will be restored to the areas affected.
Solomon Water apologises for the inconvenience and advises its valued customers to store and use water wiesly during the disruption period.
As part of the major strategic plan upgrades over the coming 30 Year Strategic Plan and 5 Year Action Plan, which aims to upgrade water and waste-water infrastructure throughout the areas we supply, helpig us deliver safe and sustainable water services in our area of operations. A significant dono-funded program is being negotiated and the first major construction should start in Auki in April 2019.
For more information call us on phone 23985 or email service(at)solomonwater.com.sb or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SolomonWater.