Key guests cutting the ribbon symbolizing the official commissioning of the three reservoirs across Honiara city.
ADB and Solomon Islands Government Mark Milestone in Urban Water Supply
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS (3 November 2026) — The commissioning of three new reservoirs and trunk mains today marks a major upgrade to Honiara’s water supply system, strengthening the city’s capacity to meet demand and support future growth.
The facilities were delivered under the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project, a transformative joint investment supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank, the European Union, the Global Environment Facility, and the Government of Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, ADB’s country director, Anthony Gill, emphasized the project’s broader impact on the nation’s socio-economic development and climate preparedness.
“Today’s commissioning is an important milestone for the people of Honiara and demonstrates what can be accomplished through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to improving essential services.
“It is an investment in public health, economic growth, climate resilience, and human development.”
Minister for the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification Derrick Manu’ari, in his keynote remarks, highlighted governments’ recognition that water security is not simply an infrastructure issue.
“It is a matter of national security, public health, economic resilience, and social equity.
“Our future water security will depend upon integrated approaches to water resource management, infrastructure planning, catchment protection, system efficiency, and climate adaptation.”
The facilities deliver a critical upgrade to Honiara’s municipal water supply system:
- Increased Storage Capacity: New reservoirs constructed at Titinge, Tasahe, and Panatina add over 8.5 million liters of storage capacity. This expands Solomon Islands Water Authority’s (SIWA’s) capability to manage daily water demand, enhance system reliability, and prepare for future population growth.
- Expanded Population Reach: The facilities will benefit more than 105,000 residents across Honiara, establishing infrastructure built to support a projected population exceeding 300,000 by 2050.
- Upgraded Pipeline Network: Over 10 kilometers of strategic transmission pipelines were installed across major urban corridors, including Kongulai to White River, White River to Iron Bottom Sound, East Kola Ridge to Vura, and Panatina Reservoir to Burns Creek. The trunk mains will relieve network bottlenecks, improve water conveyance efficiency, and ensure stable supply to homes and businesses.
The project establishes a foundation for upcoming investments aimed at expanding water network services, strengthening institutional performance, and securing long-term water resilience across the Solomon Islands.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members, 50 from the region.
ADB Country Director Anthony Gill addresses guests and partners at the Panatina Reservoir site this morning, highlighting ADB’s ongoing commitment to strengthening water security and climate resilience across Solomon Islands.
Guests gather for a group photo inside the newly completed facility, which adds over 8.5 million liters of storage capacity to Honiara’s water network.
Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derrick Manu’ari, addresses guests at the Panatina Reservoir site, emphasizing that water security is a national priority for public health, economic resilience, and long-term sustainability.
Solomon Water Acting CEO Ray Andresen delivered welcome remarks at the ceremony this morning.
Donna Onofia, a member of the engineering team engaged by Solomon Water for the Honiara Reservoir Storage Project.
Project Team Leader Anderson Batnag leading a guided tour of the Panatina Reservoir site for guests and officials.