BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands is set to install its first-ever weather radar system, marking a major step forward in strengthening the country’s weather forecasting and disaster early warning capabilities.
Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM), Permanent Secretary, David Hiriasia, confirmed in an exclusive recent interview that two engineers from Australia have arrived in Honiara to begin work on the project.
Mr Hiriasia said all major equipment for the radar system is already in Honiara, with installation work scheduled to commence next week.
“The project is being delivered under the Weather Ready Pacific Programme, an initiative coordinated by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP).
“Initial funding for the broader Weather Ready Pacific Programme is provided by the Australian Government, while the radar system itself is funded by the Government of New Zealand through SPREP,” he said.
Hiriasia described the radar system as a highly sophisticated and costly piece of equipment that will significantly enhance the country’s ability to monitor severe weather events.
“Once operational, this will be the first-ever weather radar in the Solomon Islands,” he said.
He said that the radar will improve early warning systems, particularly during heavy rainfall and flooding events, which frequently affect Honiara.
“The system will be capable of pinpointing areas likely to experience flooding, allowing authorities to issue more accurate and timely warnings. The radar will also support aviation safety by providing more precise weather data for pilots,” he said.
He said that Solomon Islands joins other Pacific nations benefiting from the programme, including Fiji, Vanuatu and Tonga, as part of a regional effort to establish a network of weather radar systems that will enable data sharing and strengthen collective disaster preparedness across the Pacific.
He said that the project represents a significant milestone in building climate resilience and improving public safety in the country.
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