24 July 2013
Australia pledges more support for clean water in Solomon Islands
Minister for International Development, Melissa Parke, today announced Australia would make a $10 million (SB$67 million) contribution to improve water and sewerage services in Honiara.
Ms Parke said access to safe water and good sanitation is essential for improving public health in Solomon Islands.
“The funding, which will be provided under the Solomon Islands – Australia Partnership for Development, will support urban water and sewerage services in Honiara over the next two years,” Ms Parke said.
“Our assistance will allow Solomon Water to make major equipment improvements, ensuring cleaner water supplies in urban areas.”
Ms Parke said Solomon Water and AusAID would work together to improve water and sewerage services, including replacing and upgrading pipes to increase the safety, reliability and reach of services.
“Australia will also support training of staff to improve customer service, with Solomon Water aiming to halve the number of customer complaints by 2015,” Ms Parke said.
“Today, people in Honiara only have access to safe water for 14 hours a day. Together through this support we are aiming to extend water access to 21 hours a day, improving the lives of people in Honiara.”
This visit to the Solomon Islands is Ms Parke first official overseas visit as Australia’s newly appointed Minister for International Development.