Solomon Water is pleased to share that community consultations for the second phase of the Honiara Water Mains Replacement Project, a key initiative under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), have been successfully completed. This important project is expected to take two years to complete and aims to improve water reliability for Honiara residents by replacing aging water mains.
Why Are We Replacing the Mains?
The existing water mains, installed in the 1990s, can no longer meet the needs of Honiaraโs growing population. Frequent leaks and bursts highlight the urgency of replacing these aging pipes to minimize Non-Revenue Water (NRW), disruptions and maintain reliable service. This project is a critical step toward building a robust, future-proof water network for the city.
Communities Engaged in Consultation
As part of our commitment to transparency and community involvement, consultations were conducted across multiple communities along the 10km pipeline route. The following areas were covered:
Panatina Valley
Lio Creek
Gilbert Camp
Aekafo
Lau Valley
Border Line
Kombito
Vura 1 Heights
East Kola
GG Valley
Talise
West Kola
Titinge 1 & 2
Vara Creek/Mataniko
Tasahe
Papaho
During these consultations, community members raised key concerns, including water pressure issues, potential disruptions during construction, compensation for private land use, and future access to water connections.
Project Phases
Stage One: Surveying and Potholing. With the community consultations completed, our teams will now proceed with surveying pipeline routes and conducting potholing every 50 meters to identify existing pipelines and locate key utility services. Any holes dug will be refilled after work is completed. UXO clearance will also be carried out where necessary.
Stage Two: Design Finalization. Using data gathered from surveying and potholing, our engineering teams will refine the design to ensure efficient water distribution. This stage is expected to last 2-3 months and will not involve physical construction.
Stage Three: Construction and Installation. Once designs are finalized, contractors will begin trenching and installing the new pipelines to replace the old infrastructure.
Community Support and Safety Measures
We recognize that infrastructure projects of this scale can impact daily life, and we are committed to minimizing disruptions through:
Traffic and Pedestrian Safety: Barriers will be set up to protect pedestrians and motorists from open pits and trenches. Traffic management measures will be in place to ensure smooth movement.
Land Use Communication: For works affecting private properties, our teams will engage directly with landowners to coordinate access and minimize inconvenience.
Customer Support: Our Customer Care team will be available to address concerns and provide assistance where necessary.
Whatโs Next?
Regular updates will be provided to keep the public informed as the project progresses. The success of this initiative depends on strong coordination and community support. Together, we are building a more sustainable and resilient water system for Honiara.
For further inquiries, please contact our Customer Care team on 44700, email [email protected] or visit a Customer Care Centre near you. Thank you for your cooperation as we work towards a better water future for all.
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-Solomon Water
