The European Union provides EUR 18 million to support Solomon Islands water infrastructure

The announcement was made in Honiara by the Ambassador of the European Union for Solomon Islands, H.E Sujiro Seam during a meeting with the Ministry of Finances and Treasury (MoFT), the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE). This contribution will support the ongoing five-year Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project (UWSSSP) which is worth about US 77 million (nearly SBD 643 million), of which, around US 20 million represents the EU contribution.

About 25 percent of Solomon Islands’ 640,000 population live in urban and peri-urban areas, the largest of which is greater Honiara, with an estimated population of about 105,000. Based on medium growth projections, the country’s urban population may grow to 430,000 by 2050. The population of greater Honiara is expected to surpass 300,000 within the next 30 years.

Francesco PONZONI | EU Delegation for the Pacific

The UWSSSP aligns to the priorities set out in Solomon Islands Medium Term Strategy Objective 3: ‘‘All Solomon Islanders have access to quality social service, including education and health’’. The UWSSSP targets improved efficiency, climate change, and disaster resiliency, and sustainability of safe water and sanitation in the greater Honiara area, Auki, Gizo, Noro, Munda and Tulagi.

Ambassador Seam reaffirmed the role of the EU as a reliable partner of Solomon Islands and highlighted the excellent cooperation with Solomon Islands through past and ongoing programmes.

“The European Union has supported water, sanitation and hygiene in rural areas of Solomon Islands since 2014. The grant of EUR 18 M to the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Project continues this support. It is in line with the priorities of the Government of Solomon Islands and the European Union, especially its Global Gateway Strategy".

Donald Marahare, Solomon Water Board Chairman of Solomon Water declared: “This Declaration of Intentions with our partners marks a significant milestone in our efforts to improve water infrastructure in the country. Our vision is ‘Safe Water for a Healthy Nation’ and this joint effort will play a transformative role in ensuring that the people we serve in urban and peri-urban areas have access to safe water and improved sanitation".

Background

The Solomon Islands Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP) will improve access to safe water and improve sanitation in urban and peri-urban areas of Solomon Islands. The project adopts a sector approach with the objective of developing sustainable, inclusive, and climate resilient water supply and improved sanitation. The project is implementing high priority components following the government’s water and sanitation sector plan to increase access to piped water supply and sanitation service, especially among poor households; reduce reliance on groundwater and rainwater harvest and ensure more efficient use of water. The project will also enhance hygiene awareness, promote water conservation and improve faecal sludge management.

END.