A formal tour to the Tina River Hydro Development Project site was accorded to the Acting Prime Minister (PM) Frederick Kologeto on Wednesday.
The site tour offered the Acting PM and some of his ministers to witness firsthand the construction progress being made on the national energy project.
Joining the delegation included; Derrick Rawcliff Manuari Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification; Hon. John Tuhaika Junior Minister of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs; and Hon. Cathy Nori Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.
The delegation visited both the dam site and the Power House, where they were briefed on current construction activities and viewed major milestones achieved to date.
The team expressed satisfaction with the overall pace and quality of work, noting particularly the considerable improvements to infrastructure, including the steady advancement of critical infrastructure- especially the Dam and Power House.
“This is more than just a power project—it’s a foundation for national development and energy independence. It is encouraging to see real progress on the ground.
“The government’s continued support reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, clean energy for all Solomon Islanders,” expressed the Acting Prime Minister.
As of Wednesday, the overall construction progress of the Tina Hydro Project has reached 25%.
Access roads to both the dam site and the powerhouse site have been completed, marking a significant step forward.
The next major task is to prepare for the construction of the main dam. This includes completing a 232 meter-long Diversion Culvert Box by the end of June, which will safely redirect river water during construction.
After that, upstream and downstream cofferdams will be built to allow the main dam construction to begin early next year.
Another key structure is the 3. 2 kilometer waterway tunnel, which will connect the dam to the powerhouse. This tunnel will be built using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM).
The TBM will be assembled and tested in August, with full-scale tunneling work planned to begin in November.
By the end of this year, all major preparations for the dam will be completed. This will allow the main construction of the dam to begin in 2026, marking a new phase of accelerated progress for the project.
Tina Hydro Project underscores its commitment to delivering the project on schedule for commissioning in 2028.
The Tina Hydro Project remains a top priority for the Solomon Islands Government, promising to reduce reliance on imported diesel and foster long-term economic sustainability.
Once operational, the 15-megawatt hydropower facility will supply nearly 70% of Honiara’s electricity needs with renewable energy, significantly reducing reliance on costly diesel generation and lowering power prices.
– OPMC
