Community members, partners and guests attended the commissioning ceremony.
Solomon Water commissioned new Water Treatment to strengthen Water Security in Noro
Honiara, Solomon Islands (11 November 2026) – Solomon Water has officially commissioned its new Water Treatment Plant, introducing modern water treatment technology to improve water quality and enhance long-term water security in around Noro, Western Province.
This marks another significant milestone in Solomon Water’s ongoing commitment to modernising water infrastructure and improving access to safe, reliable and sustainable water services in Noro.
The commissioning ceremony was officiated by the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Hon. Derrick Manuari, West New Georgia and Vonavona MP. Hon. George Temahua, Solomon Water Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Ray Andresen, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director, Mr. Anthony Gill.
Delivered under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), the new facility represents a major investment supported through strong partnership from the National Government, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and the European Union.
Speaking at the commissioning event Acting Chief Executive Officer Mr. Ray Andresen said the completion of the facility stands as a shining testament to a powerful, collaborative partnership between our National Government, the development partners—the ADB, the World Bank, and the European Union, landowners, and Solomon Water.
He said for over a decade, Noro Township and the SolTuna processing plant have been experiencing growing challenges with aging infrastructure, unpredictable water quality and supply security.
He said the newly commission facility introduces high-efficiency multimedia filters, automated control system and robust disinfection facilities design to treat raw water to meet strict World Health Organization (WHO) standards, even after heavy rains when reviver quality declines.
For the people and business of Noro, this modern plant delivers three informative benefits:
- Zero Overflow, Maximum Distribution: The new filtration system eliminates overflow entirely, ensuring the full 2.8 million liters of daily extracted water is successfully distributed to consumers
- Smart Remote Protection: They system features advanced automated remote monitoring. If salinity, turbidity, or chlorine levels breach safety margins, the plant automatically shuts down to protect public health.
- Enhanced Storage: The rehabilitation of our 900-kiloliter reservoir guarantees eight hours of emergency storage, while new sheet pilling at the Ziata source actively minimizes saltwater intrusion during high tides.
He said with the phase 1 now officially commissioned and moving into active operations, Solomon Water will continue progressing Stage 2 of the project, which will include the safe demolition of the old treatment facilities, completion of final site fencing and construction of new sludge dewatering ponds.
Mr. Andresen also extend his acknowledgement to the landowning groups and community for working in partnership with Solomon Water through legal and traditional channels to permanently register the land.
This investment form part of a wider infrastructure upgrade along Honiara’s Tank Reservoir and Trunk Main Upgrade which aligns with Solomon Water’s 5-Year Corporate Strategic Plan (2024–2027), as we progressively implement Solomon Water’s 30-Year Strategic Plan (2047).
Country Director for ADB – Anthony Gill delivers remarks during the Noro Water Treatment Plant commissioning ceremony.
Hon. George Temahua, Member of Parliament for West New Georgia and Vonavona Constituency and Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs addresses guests during the commissioning ceremony
Mr. Ray Andresen, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Water, delivers his opening remarks at the commissioning ceremony.
Hon. Derrick Manu’ari, Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, delivers an address during the commissioning ceremony
Officials took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the commissioning of the new plant.