Solomon Water is starting the recruitment process to find a new CEO. Incumbent CEO, Ian Gooden’s contract is coming to an end and the SOE is looking for someone to replace him. Time is allowed for a proper handover before Mr Gooden finishes at the end of July.

Board Chairman for Solomon Water, Mr Donald Marahare said “Mr Gooden has been the longest serving CEO Solomon Water has ever had, with 8 years’ service. During this time he has developed a 30 year Strategic Plan and then began implementing the first 5 years action plan. Mr Gooden has negotiated more than USD 100 m in funds from various donors and there is currently more than USD 40 m of works under construction”.

Solomon Water still needs more funding for major upgrades to our existing infrastructure and also to extend operations to Gizo and Munda; funds for these are currently under negotiation.

“Our service delivery and reputation has improved significantly and Solomon Water now has a strong and committed staff. We thank Mr Gooden for his years of hard work” said Mr Marahare.

Mr Gooden has also been a Board director, and for the past 2 years, Chairman of the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association, the peak body for all water utilities across the Pacific.

The search for a new CEO will be conducted internationally to ensure we get the best possible candidates to take Solomon Water into the next phase of its development, with much construction works and significant upgrades to all our infrastructure.

Solomon Water remains committed to its vision to provide “Safe water for a healthy nation” and continues to work towards improving our services to our customers.

Media contact:

Ruth Ramoifuila, Communications and Corporate Support Coordinator

Phone: 44662  | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Solomon Water has expressed deep concern over the recent news article in the Island Sun newspaper reporting the Solomon Islands Post Conflict Rehabilitation and Restoration Association's (SIPCRRA) intention to close Kongulai, the main water source for Honiara City.

The Kongulai water source supplies water to 40 percent of Honiara, which includes the whole of west Honiara, and parts of central and east Honiara.  More importantly, due to its elevated location, Kongulai plays a critical role in pressurizing 60 percent of the supply network.

Solomon Water Chairman Donald Marahare is concerned Solomon Water is being used for leverage on a matter unrelated to the operation of the water utility and the water supply service it provides to its customers in Honiara. “The potential forced closure of the Kongulai water source would result in severe consequences for Solomon Water, including financial loss and reputational damage. It would also cause serious inconvenience and health risks to Honiara residents due to potential loss of water supply” he says.

“I urge SIPCRRA to engage with the Government and not use the people of Honiara for leverage. I also ask the Government for support and resolution of longstanding landowner issues in the Kongulai and Kovi areas”.

Loss of water supply to the city can result in damage to the pipes and customer fittings, significant economic impacts due to business houses and government offices being forced to close and health and social effects on schools and other institutions, including the hospital.

Solomon Water remains committed to its vision to provide “Safe water for a healthy nation” and continues to work towards improving our services to our customers as well as working with Government and Landowners to resolve long standing issues with many of our water sources.

Media contact:

Ruth Ramoifuila, Communications and Corporate Support Coordinator

Phone: 44662  | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Solomon Water is proud to participate in this year’s International Women's Day parade to showcase its support for gender equality and the empowerment of women in Solomon Islands.

The theme of this year's International Women's Day parade is "DiGiAll: Celebrating, Learning, Empowering and Protecting Women of Solomon Islands through Technology - Achieving gender equality while innovating."

 “We are delighted to participate in this year’s International Women's Day parade and showcase our female staff who play a significant role in the day-to-day operations of Solomon Water and our vision of “Safe water for a healthy nation”,” said Acting CEO Unni Kesavan. “Solomon Water recognizes the importance of gender equality and the need to promote diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We believe that by empowering and supporting our female staff, we are creating a more equitable and sustainable future for the Solomon Islands.”

 In 2017, Solomon Water subscribed to the Waka Mere Commitment to Action to improve employment opportunities for women in Solomon Islands. This included committing to promoting opportunities for women in non-traditional jobs and SW continues with this philosophy enshrined in its recruitment and other business practices.

As of February this year, Solomon Water has a total of 53 women staff in various technical, engineering and leadership roles and divisions, including the Head of Corporate Services.

Media contact:

Ruth Ramoifuila, Communications and Corporate Support Coordinator

Phone: 44662  | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Solomon Water is pleased to announce it is taking part in the Safe and Green Games Campaign, a national cleanup campaign in Honiara City. The campaign, which takes place over three days, aims to ensure that the city is clean and green before the start of the 2023 Pacific Games in November.

As a responsible state owned enterprise, Solomon Water is committed to supporting efforts that promote a clean and sustainable environment. We are proud to join hands with all government ministries and agencies, as well as other business houses, in this national cleanup campaign. By participating in this campaign, we hope to contribute to the overall objective of making Honiara City a cleaner and more pleasant place to live, work, and visit.

Acting Solomon Water CEO Unni Kesavan said "As a water utility SOE, we recognize the critical importance of a clean and sustainable environment to our operations. We are committed to doing our part to protect the environment and support sustainable development in Honiara City. By participating in this national cleanup campaign, we hope to contribute to the overall objective of making Honiara City a cleaner and greener place and we are encouraging all Solomon Water staff to participate and make a positive impact on our city."

"We believe that the Safe and Green Games Campaign is a timely and important initiative that will help to promote a culture of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility in our city," the Acting CEO said. "We are proud to join hands with other stakeholders in this important effort and look forward to working together to make Honiara City a better place for all."

The Safe and Green Games Campaign is a joint initiative of the Solomon Islands Government, the Honiara City Council, and other stakeholders, including the private sector and donor partners. The campaign takes place over Friday 3 March to Sunday 5 March, and will involve a range of activities, including a public parade, street and community clean-ups, and a combined church service.

Media contact:

Ruth Ramoifuila, Communications and Corporate Support Coordinator

Phone: 44662  | Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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