International Waters learning Exchange & Resource Network

Solomon Islands: Aims: To ensure sustainable water supply and wastewater services in Honiara City

Aims: To ensure sustainable water supply and wastewater services in Honiara City

Activities: Assessment of water abstraction, land-based activities impacting water resources, water leakages and wastages for the formulation and establishment of Water Safety, Water Use Efficiency and Watershed/Aquifer Protection Management Plans; Designation of an aquifer/well field; Raising awareness and training for IWRM.

2586 - PAS Implementing Sustainable Integrated Water Resource and Wastewater Management in the Pacific Island Countries - under the GEF Pacific Alliance for Sustainability


"RESULTS: WATER USE EFFICIENCY & WATER SAFETY
Past projects regarding WUE and WDM were carried out to some extent. The IWRM Project in this case further considers the gaps in past projects and now targets additional zones. Likewise, the project also takes into account water safety as part of the project intervention. In early 2012 the Project worked with the water provider (SIWA) to implement WUE/WDM at one its highest leakage zones in Honiara, namely Mbokonavera 1-4 residential area. Using past reports a leakage detection program was planned and completed. Funds were allocated to SIWA for this activity.
4(a) INDICATOR #1: Two night flow step tests confirmed very high leakages in both distribution and service lines within the zones under consideration.
A total of 414 connections were identified and confirmed in the project area. Only 33% of the
connections were found to have operational water meters while the remaining 67% are suspicious; 21% buried or unidentified, 22% are direct lines, 15% disconnected, 4% vacant and 4% are illegal connections. It was found that out of 8 zones that were isolated with valves, three priority areas have leakages of more than 100 litres per minute. Most house connections have now valves replaced before each meter prior to the step tests. A pipe replacement activity has just commenced.
4(b) INDICATOR #2: Capacity and Training on SIWA new and current staff
SIWA has a staff shortage and new recruits are made over the past year. A Leakage Detection Team is now established and on-going capacity is part of the project’s intervention. Upcoming project activities at additional areas are anticipated with qualified and swift work completion in this area. "

"2. RESULTS: PROCESS
Prior to project implementation was the consent agreement by the landowners of Kovi and later Kongulai to carry out a hydrological assessment of the Kovi stream, some 2 kilometres upstream of Honiara’s main water intake. The aim was to monitor the flow over seasons on the water resources there in case the water provider (SIWA) needs to develop it in the future. With the IWRM project realized, the Kovi/Kongulai Community Group (KKCG) was established with 15 members, two of which are with the Project Steering Committee (PSC). The KKCG represents the Kovi/Kongulai water catchment through which the project works with. Up to 2011 most of the Kovi/Kongulai catchment surveys were completed and resulted in data and information about the catchment disseminated through community awareness. The community supported the project by involving them in field surveys and hydrological monitoring activities. Their interest was reinforced by assisting them to look at catchment conservation and in line with an eco-tourism business; to protect the catchment for the sake of water resources and at the same time generating income by promoting nature’s beauty to people.

2(a) INDICATOR#1: Sectors actively engaged in formal multilateral communication on water issues
A target of the project was to increase engagement. This was achieved establishment of the Kov/Kongulai Community Group (KKCG) and active response to workshops and meetings. The project had the opportunity to talk with the KKCG at every gathering commencing from the time of consent to enter their land until the launching of an Eco-tourism Plan for the community. Although men were represented more, women did take part and shared their views and opinion during each
meeting. Disagreements were part of the community and the leaders were informed about this especially when it comes to finances.

2(b) INDICATOR #2: Awareness information to water consumers was distributed to water provider
(SIWA) and during important national and international events. The on-going dissemination of information on importance of water sources, water use efficiency, demand management and water safety were part of mass media project campaigns. Although feedbacks from such distributions are not evident, it was envisaged that water users will make practical steps using the information provided if they were serious about water scarcity and water bills.

RESULTS: PROCESS
The IWRM Pilot Project for Honiara City was endorsed by Cabinet in late 2009 with a cabinet decision to implement over 5 years. This resulted in the approval by government regarding its financial support during this period and the establishment of the Project Steering Committee comprising 15 members from government and civil society, land owners and an NGO. The Project Steering Committee (PSC) during the course of the project further established its sub-committees to oversee specific activities. A catchment assessment sub-committee and a water safety sub-committee were members of the PSC.

2(E) INDICATOR#5: LESSONS LEARNED INCORPORATED INTO OTHER PROJECT(S) AND/OR REGULATIONS
A target of the project was to demonstrate replication from one project to another by project end. In 2011 the Samoa IWRM team undertook a twinning exchange to the Cook Islands IWRM demonstration project. During that visit we observed the use of “No Car Washing Signage” on Rarotonga Island and have subsequently replicated these in the Apia catchment. "

Data
Year 2012
Reporting date 14-Mar
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