In a significant step toward addressing Gizo’s persistent water crisis, the SMEC company, contracted by Solomon Water, is set to begin drilling at a water source in West Gizo this month.
This was confirmed by Western Province Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena.
The drilling will take place at around the “Mile 6” area, West of Gizo island.
Solomon Water awarded the contract to SMEC to undertake the work.
Toiraena told Solomon Star in an interview on Thursday that the provincial government is currently working with three separate technical teams to find a long-term solution for the town’s water issues.
He noted that the SMEC drilling project aligns with a similar proposal the Western Province Government (WPG) submitted to the Indian Government.
“While we have yet to receive feedback from India, we are currently working with three separate technical teams on Gizo’s water crisis,” Toiraena said.
‘’There are total of three foreign technical company who have shown interest to provide solution for the Gizo’s long-standing issue.
‘’They includes the Indian Government, Australia through SMEC and Chinese Firm – Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd,” he added.
He added that the Indian government has also shown interest in supporting a desalination system for Gizo.
Meanwhile, a technical team from Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co. Ltd a Chinese Firm SOE company visited Gizo last week to conduct assessment, feasibility studies and also conduct community engagement in preparation for the green light to implement the Desalination Plant System once it is fully approved.
By Augustine Penevolomo
Photo caption: Part of Gizo town. Photo courtesy of Aelanlife