THE principal of a school in Honiara is urging Solomon Water to rethink its water bill rates amidst the increasing number of students enrolled in local schools in the national capital.
The call comes as many schools face mounting financial pressures due to rising water bills, which they argue are unsustainable for non-profit institutions like schools.
The principal, who chose to remain anonymous, voiced frustrations over the water bill charge rate applied across the board on all Solomon Water customers, including non-profit organisations like schools and churches which can also be classified as charitable organisations.
“Schools are not profit-driven entities and should not be charged as if they are commercial businesses. Our priority is the education and well-being of our students, not balancing a budget that keeps increasing due to utility costs,” the principal added.
The issue is compounded by the fact that many schools in Honiara have seen significant growth in student enrollment over the years.
“With more students, come a higher demand for basic resources, including water,” the principal said.
The principal said students often face shortages due to water cuts implemented by Solomon Water due to unpaid bills and this affects their education and their health.
“When water is cut off, it disrupts learning. Students can’t stay in school, and we see them heading home. This affects their education and overall development.
“Access to clean water is fundamental to fostering a safe and productive learning environment. It is essential for students to have regular access to water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene,” the principal said.
A total of 11 schools in Honiara are set to benefit from an USD400,000 Urban Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Schools (WinS) initiative funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) that was recently launched in Honiara.
The initiative is aimed at enhancing WASH standards and promoting hygiene education within the recipient schools.
“Solomon Water and the Education Providers of the recipient schools need to come to one common understanding regarding price and costs of water bills to schools in Honiara as this issue affects many schools in the city,” the principal said.
By JIMMY NOLAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
