BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The 9th Pacific Water and Wastewater Ministers Forum and the 16th Pacific Water & Wastewater Annual Conference and Expo are underway at the Aquatic Centre, East Honiara.
The conference gathers leaders, innovators and champions from around the Pacific to discuss and look at sustainable solutions to water challenges faced in the region.
The four-day conference goes with the theme – ‘Water and wastewater services for all: connecting people, policies, communities for a shared sustainable future’.
Delivering his keynote at the official opening of the conference, held at the Friendship Hall, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele reflected on the theme by highlighting the significance of water and wastewater services, central to life and development in the region.
“Let us be clear that water is not just simply a utility issue. Across our blue pacific, we face shared challenges including:
- Rising seas salting our groundwater,
- Prolonged droughts straining our communities,
- Extreme weather events damaging infrastructure,
- Rising costs and aging infrastructure.
“But with every challenge comes opportunity to work smarter, to work together, and to ensure that no pacific child grows up without safe water and sanitation.
“I urge you to share your experiences, knowledge and solutions to address our common challenges.
“This region needs integration not just in trade but also in the planning and delivery of water and wastewater services,” he said.
Manele also emphasised that the future of Pacific water lies in good governance and innovation. Governance that is transparent, inclusive, and accountable.
“Innovation in technologies from renewable-powered desalination, to decentralised wastewater systems, to smart data-driven monitoring and development,” he said.
The PM however said governments cannot deliver these innovations alone. Partnership and collaboration with the private sector, academia, regional agencies and communities are vital.
“No Pacific Island alone can do this; partnership is our strength. Through the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA), through regional solidarity, and through development cooperation, we can amplify our voice, share knowledge, and build capacity.
“When we act together, our small islands are not small voices. We are a powerful chorus calling for sustainable water futures,” he said.
Manele also stressed that achieving safe and resilient water and wastewater services requires locally appropriate solutions that respect governance systems, culture, and traditional knowledge including the vital role of women and girls.
“But above all, this challenge can only be resolved by dedicated water champions at all levels.
“To this end, we must elevate and empower Regional Water Champions, visionary leaders, professionals, and young people who will dream, innovate, and deliver solutions for our region’s water future,” he said.
Manele calls for Pacific Island members to work together and commit to national and regional investments that secure water and wastewater services for all.
The opening ceremony was held at the Friendship Hall, with the rest of the event to be held at the Aquatic Centre.
The events continue today.
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