BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says climate change is the single greatest threat to water security in the Pacific region.
Also equal to it is other non-climate pressures that are in play and can be controlled, he adds.
They are – pollution of water sources, ecosystem degradation and unsustainable land use that contaminate rivers and groundwater, damage catchments and weaken the very ecosystems that sustain clean and reliable water.
Speaking at the official opening of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water & Wastewater Annual Conference and Expo on Monday, August 25, 2025 in Honiara, Prime Minister Manele highlighted the above issues and calls for collective and strategic resolution.
“In the Solomon Islands, our water resources and services are already being affected by these non-climate pressures.
“The interaction of climate change and non-climate pressures compound risks confronting water and wastewater services. Our response must therefore be comprehensive.
“We must be committed to protecting catchments and ecosystems, investing in rainwater harvesting, developing resilient supply networks and safeguarding groundwater resources.
“This requires financing. Solomon Islands is tapping into climate and disaster financing mechanisms.
“Additionally, we must also push regional adaptation and development proposals that secure greater international support for Pacific-specific solutions.
“At the same time, our water utilities must be supported and their services ought to remain affordable, efficient and accountable,” he said.
Moreover, PM Manele emphasised that the principles of resilience, affordability, and sustainability must guide our financing and regulatory choices.
He said better planning and investment in water and wastewater services should be supported across the Pacific region.
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