– China-backed solar desalination to ease community shortages
BY BEN BILUA
GIZO
A new initiative will see solar-powered desalination plants installed in Gizo, Western Province to help address long-standing water shortages.
A delegation from Chinese State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd visited the province last week to identify potential sites and discuss the project with Western Provincial Government officials.
Water Desalination Specialist, Sophia Shen said the team will now compile their findings and begin work on delivering the plants, which will provide a more stable water supply for residents who currently rely heavily on rainwater harvesting.
Constituency Development Officer Alphonse Wale said the project forms part of Gizo/Kolombangara development programs and will receive support from both local and donor partners.
Shen highlighted that the initiative reflects ongoing collaboration and friendship between Solomon Islands and China.
Gizo, the provincial capital, has long struggled with the lack of reliable water supply for over 15 years now.
Residents rely heavily on rainwater harvesting for their daily needs, as there is no established public water infrastructure in place.
Shen said her team has visited three communities and have identified sites for the Seawater Desalination Plants.
She said discussion with officials from Western Provincial Government was successful and fruitful.
Shen explained that the Desalination Plants requires a hectare of land to build as the machines will be powered by solar energy.
She said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd have also delivered similar projects in nine other countries in the world including Maldives and Kiribati.
Shen said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd is happy to find solutions for much needed communities soon.
“We are here because we receive request from our embassy in Honiara. We heard the people’s need and we are happy to help.
“I believe this project demonstrates the great partnership and friendship shared between Solomon Islands and China,” she said.
Shen said Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd has technical experts and the next step is to compile all the reports from the site visit and start working to deliver the project sooner.
Constituency Development Officer of Gizo/Kolombangara Constituency, Alphonse Wale said the project is part of Gizo/Kolombangara development programs.
He explained that the project will be funded by the constituency with the help of donor partners.
Wale said the project will be piloted in three communities namely; Gizo, Babanga, and Nusabaruku communities.
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