BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Solomon Islands Water Authority (SIWA) has taken on initiatives as it strives to improve its services to customers.
Carmine Piantedosi, CEO of SIWA stressed on this when delivering a presentation on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the first day of the 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and 16th Pacific Water and Waste Water Association (PWWA) Conference and Expo 2025 at the Aquatic Centre in Honiara.
He stressed that to improve the reliability of supply they are improving the delivery of their water to customers with the construction of 11 kilowatt (kW) of track mains across the Honiara area.
“We’re also replacing our residential customer meters with new casualty meters or prepayment meters to assist our customers with accessing the water,” he added.
Piantedosi went on to state that they also have major works programme that include the rehabilitation of two sewage pump stations.
“We’re looking at the construction of new sewer mains as well and construction of sewer outfalls and reducing the outfalls.
“Currently we have 15 outfalls. We’re reducing that to two. The proposed design and construction of a septic treatment plant facility is currently under review,” he said.
The CEO expressed that they have a washing schools’ programme as well that focuses on hygiene awareness and education programme.
“That’s ongoing in the Solomon Islands as well as institutional development and capacity building,” he said.
In relation, as noted, SIWA is also introducing digital systems and management systems and looks to integrate renewable energy into their mix essentially to reduce utility operating costs.
Furthermore, Piantedosi said they are working closely with policy makers and continue to support ongoing policy development that is essential to protect and manage our catchment areas and water resources well into the future.
“We also work closely with stakeholders and land owners to manage and protect catchment areas and water sources,” he said.
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