Solomon Islands delegation attends PACFRESH2O project launch in Port Moresby

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – A Solomon Islands Government delegation from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification and partners recently attended the official launch of the GIZ PacFreshH20 Regional Project in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

The GIZ PacFreshH20 Regional Project was officially launched on 7 May 2026, marking a significant step towards improving climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

About 100 guests, including donor partners, Non-Government Organizations, and government representatives, attended the launch at the Crown International Hotel.

The project, themed “Protecting Freshwater Resources for Increased Climate Resilience in the Pacific Islands (PacFresH2O)”, is a 5-year program co-implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), WaterAid Papua New Guinea (PNG), and Live & Learn Solomon Islands, in partnership with both governments.

Supported by the German Government’s International Climate Initiative (IKI) through the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), the project aims to address increasing climate-related hazards, including prolonged droughts, flooding, and changing rainfall patterns that threaten water security, livelihoods, and public health.

H.E. William Soaki, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, represented the Solomon Islands at the launch. Speaking at the event, Permanent Secretary of MMERE, Dr Chris Vehe, stressed the importance of sustainability, governance, and collective coordinated responsibility.

“Excellencies, colleagues, and ladies and gentlemen—we are here because water is the thread that holds the fabric of our communities, economies, and ecosystems together. But in an era of climate change and increasing scarcity, relying solely on old ways of managing this precious resource is not enough”.

“We need strong governance, better coordination, and the fearless, innovative leadership of our water champions to turn the tide – we need water warriors who fight to save and sustain this precious God-given gift for our benefits,” Dr Vehe said.

GIZ Philippines and Pacific Country Director Immanuel Gebhardt emphasised that PacFresH2O goes beyond infrastructure by strengthening institutions, fostering coordination, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of climate-resilient water services.

The project is aligned with national development and climate frameworks, including Medium-Term Development Plans, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs), and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The project focuses on three core areas: strengthening multi-level coordination and governance mechanisms; implementing priority measures to address water insecurity and freshwater protection; and mainstreaming climate-resilient WASH into national planning, financing, and knowledge systems.

Through a system-strengthening approach, the project aims to build the capacity of decision-makers and communities at national, provincial, and local levels to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and climate-adaptive water services across the region.

PacFresH2O will support priority communities in East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea, and in Makira, Guadalcanal, and Central Province in the Solomon Islands, aiming to link national planning with community-level action while supporting vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities, in addressing growing climate and water security challenges across the region.

The Solomon Islands is represented by H.E. William Soaki, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, Permanent Secretary of MMERE, Dr Chris Vehe, Director of Water Resources Division, Richard Molea, Director of Climate Change Division, MECDM, Thaddaeus Siota, Director of Environmental Health, MHMS, Ethel Mapolu, Elmah Panisi Sese, Live & Learn Country Manager and Project Manager, Enif Petsakibo.

MMERE PS Dr Chris Vehe presenting his remarks

MMERE PS Dr Chris Vehe and PNG Vice Minister for National Planning, Hon. Daniel Tindipu cutting the ribbon to officially launch PacFreshH20 regional project.

H.E. William Soaki, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, MMERE PS Dr Chris Vehe, National Planning Secretary Koney Samuel and PNG Vice Minister for National Planning, Hon. Daniel Tindipu standing at the launching

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