BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) will construct three new upper air observation stations as part of a major upgrade to its weather monitoring system.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), David Hiriasia, revealed this in an exclusive interview with local media.
Mr Hiriasia said the project aims to strengthen meteorological services through upgraded equipment, including upper air observations using weather balloons.
“This upgrade will improve our upper air observations through the flying of balloons to collect atmospheric data. It is important to gather data from the upper atmosphere to improve weather monitoring and forecasting,” he said.
He said the project is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with donor partners.
Under the plan, a new upper air station will be built in Taro, Choiseul Province. The existing Honiara station will be relocated to Tulagi in Central Province, while another new station will be constructed in Lata, Temotu Province.
Mr Hiriasia also confirmed that there are plans to revive the Kirakira station in Makira-Ulawa Province.
“There will be new officers and office facilities for Kirakira and Tulagi as these will be new establishments. Locations such as Taro and Lata will involve upgrades to existing offices,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the new infrastructure and upgraded equipment will enable the Meteorological Service to provide more accurate weather information and timely warnings.
“This is not only about weather warnings, but also about climate change monitoring. These upper air observations will help us detect changes in weather patterns and climate, and also assist the National Disaster Management Office in strengthening early warning systems and disaster response for communities,” he said.
Mr Hiriasia said the ministry hopes to complete the work within this year or early next year, depending on progress.
“These are key developments for the Meteorological Service, alongside other projects supporting climate change work within the ministry,” he said.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
