Honiara, Solomon Islands — The WASH in Schools Project forms part of the Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Project (UWSSSP), which Solomon Water is implementing to strengthen water and sanitation services in Honiara.

The WASH in Schools component covers 11 schools in Honiara: St Mary Tanagai, Norman Palmer, White River, Global Harvest, Zion, Mt Harab, Emmaus, Sharma, Ilia, Lau Valley, and Naha Community High School. To date, seven schools have commenced construction and two schools have now been officially handed over.

This 18-month program (January 2025 – June 2026), funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is delivered in partnership with Plan International and Live & Learn. The initiative aims to improve sanitation standards in schools by increasing access to safe water and sanitation facilities.

Last week, Solomon Water supported the handover of upgraded Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities at St Mary Tanagai School and Naha Community High School.

At St Mary Tanagai School, works included upgrades to existing sanitation facilities, providing five toilet cubicles each for boys and girls, two student bathroom cubicles, and one bathroom each for male and female staff. Approximately 500 students from Form 1 to Form 6 will benefit from the improved facilities.

At Naha Community High School, newly constructed facilities include 22 toilet cubicles, 14 hand basins, two shower cubicles, and direct connections to Solomon Water’s water supply and sewerage system. Construction was completed during the school break to minimise disruption to students.

Solomon Water continues to work closely with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Plan International, Live & Learn, the Government of Solomon Islands, and development partners to improve sanitation standards and support healthier school environments across Honiara.