Proceedings of the Solomon Islands National workshop 1 ...

EU-SOPAC (EDF8) Project Report 12

Reducing Vulnerability of Pacific ACP States

PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS NATIONAL WORKSHOP 1

KING SOLOMON HOTEL, HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS 29th May 2003

EU-SOPAC Project: Reducing Vulnerability of Pacific ACP States – Proceedings of Solomon Islands National Workshop 1

Compilers:

Stephen Booth and Franck Martin SOPAC Secretariat

May 2003

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Community; however, the views expressed herein must never be taken to reflect the official opinion of the

European Community.

For more copies of this report, apply to the SOPAC Secretariat at the address below:

SOUTH PACIFIC APPLIED GEOSCIENCE COMMISSION c/o SOPAC Secretariat

Private Mail Bag GPO, Suva

FIJI ISLANDS http://www.sopac.org

Phone: +679 338 1377 Fax: +679 337 0040

[email protected]

This report is freely available digitally on our web site


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CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..........................................................................................................2 RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS.................................................................................................3

1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................3 2. SOPAC and Project Overview ..........................................................................................3 3. Discussion.........................................................................................................................4

PRIORITY AREAS AND ISSUES FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS ................................................5 FUTURE ACTIONS ..................................................................................................................6 Attachment A – Stakeholder participation list ...........................................................................7 Attachment B – Record of discussions and meetings .............................................................9 Attachment C – TOR for Resource Information Officer ..........................................................29


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The First National Solomon Islands Workshop on the EU-SOPAC EDF8 Project was held at the King Solomon Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands on Thursday, 29th May 2003. The objective of the meeting was for the Solomon Islands representatives to advise SOPAC on the specific areas of work and priorities on which this project would focus. The priority areas for work under this project have been identified as:

• New Georgia, • N/Guadalcanal, Iron Bottom Sound, Florida & Savo, and • Auki/Langa Langa areas, West Malaita.

It was agreed that, following the meeting, SOPAC Staff would develop a draft workplan incorporating the issues described above. This would be circulated for comment and discussion at the 2nd Stakeholders meeting to be held in July/August.


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RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS

1. Introduction The First National Solomon Islands Workshop on the EU-SOPAC EDF8 Project was held at the King Solomon Hotel, Honiara, Solomon Islands on Thursday, 29th May 2003. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Energy, Mr Francis Orodani, (affiliations of all participants are provided in Attachment A of this report) introduced and welcomed all stakeholders to the meeting, saying that their contribution to the project was invaluable at this early stage.

2. SOPAC and Project Overview Mr Francis Orodani invited SOPAC’s representative to introduce the SOPAC staff and present the Project to the meeting. Dr Russell Howorth, Deputy Director of SOPAC, recalled his first visit to the Solomon Islands in 1985 to carry out coastal erosion work from beach mining at Ranadi, Guadalcanal. In the 20 years since, he had visited the country many times and he was privileged to have met many people in the geology and mining sectors. Dr Howorth referred to recent political events in the Solomon Islands that had severely curtailed visits to the country. However, with the easing of political tensions and the start-up of the Project more visits by SOPAC staff will result. Dr Howorth introduced members of the EU-SOPAC Project team and he went on to emphasise that the project would be driven by the country and not by SOPAC. The Solomon Islands are able to access EU funding via bilateral arrangements and also multilaterally via its regional organisations, under multilateral funding between EU and the African Caribbean Pacific (ACP) countries. Solomon Islands are therefore accessing EU funding through the deployment of the resources of SOPAC (equipment and specialists) in the country on a shared basis with the other Pacific Island ACP countries. The first stakeholder meeting will define how these resources are to be deployed in-country, ensuring that local stakeholders take ownership of this project. The next stakeholder meeting will confirm the activities and define the next steps to be undertaken, mainly how to best distribute the results of the field surveys. The role of today's meeting is to define the areas of interest in the Solomon Islands as well as to ensure there is no duplication of effort and that the project inter-links with other projects, work and activities undertaken in the Solomon Islands. Moreover, the choice of these areas has to be justified as to achieve the goal of the project: Reducing Vulnerability in Pacific Islands. Dr Russell Howorth described the three main components of the project: aggregates, risk management and water and sanitation. All these components will serve the goal of reducing vulnerability in the Pacific. He spoke about the importance of each component and how they interact in the Solomon Islands. The information collected will have to be shared and distributed. There is also a significant demand for capacity building and gathering, interpreting and disseminating the information in this project. Usually for this type of work, the most practical system to have been used in the Pacific Islands is a Geographic Information System (GIS). Russell explained that the Project theoretically started in April 2002 when SOPAC received the EU funding, but in practice the project started in earnest in 2003 when staff recruitment was effected. However, the Solomon Islands can consider this first stakeholder meeting as initiating


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the project in-country. Russell also highlighted the need for the appointment of a Resource Information Officer in-country, to liaise with the team in SOPAC and the in-country stakeholders.

3. Discussion Gilmore introduced the Solomon Islands Institutional Strengthening of Land Administration Project (SIISLAP). This AusAID programme, which has a GIS component, has been running for the last 3 years and is finishing this year. By the end of this year they will have completed country-wide coverage with new aerial photos and radar imagery. This project will have strong interlinkages with the EU-SOPAC Project. Lotte (EU Micro-Projects) advised that the collection of new data should be organised in-country by a local counterpart organisation to coordinate the activities and also to advocate the project to the community and the government. He indicated that tangible benefits could best be seen through partnerships, which would be better for the project. Dr Russell Howorth responded that the stakeholder meeting should identify target areas, so that will help target the communities. Water Programme suggested that the Department of Mines and Energy should “kick-start” discussion by indicating some geographic locations as suitable sites, which hopefully would then generate proposition of alternatives. It was emphasised that the stakeholder meeting must take responsibility for defining the target areas. Francis (PS, M&E) suggested that the group breaks out into smaller groups to brainstorm the choice of locations. Sarah (National Council of Women) disagreed, suggesting no need to break into groups, and that everybody simply names the areas of interest they have and the meeting works toward a consensus. To try and help move forward, Randell (PFNET) asked SOPAC to suggest some selections criteria that might help the group in selecting the areas. Russell responded that remotely-sensed satellite imagery can be acquired of any part of the country, but swath mapping is time consuming if the area is too remote; therefore accessible areas are required. For instance there is a Cabinet decision to investigate the WWII wrecks. The swath mapper can therefore be used for mapping Iron Bottom Sound in order to locate the wrecks. Randell (PFNET) noted that at one time SOPAC was requested to do a study at Morovo lagoon, New Georgia, and suggeated this Project could look at this site. Russell indicated that there would be many criteria to justify this location, because it is a world heritage site under pressure from mining, forestry, social-ecotourism interests. Lotte (EU Micro-Projects), noted they already have a few development projects in Tetepari in New Georgia and WWF have an interest too. Francis (PS, M&E) then suggested a potential location encompassing the strip of Iron Bottom Sound from Guadalcanal to Florida islands via Savo. This is a fishing ground area and leaking oil from the WWII wrecks could damage the marine life and environment. This area has also Gold Ridge mine upstream and could impact the environment. The Ministry of Mines and Energy considers this a high-risk area where more information is needed. The area is easily accessible and it could be used as a pilot project location for other areas which could be threatened by WWII wrecks. Ellisson (M&E) indicated that the project should target urban areas of high population as much as possible to maximise social development of the country. However, small and isolated rural communities may actually represent more vulnerable populations. Francis (PS, M&E) noted there is a need for aggregate assessment of the Ranadi sand deposits in the Lungga River. Moses (Environment) commented that it appeared that the Ministry of Mines & Energy had already made a decision on the sites – if an assessment had already been made then they


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should share this decision? He indicated that the proposed sites need to be screened to ensure proper selection of the sites and further believed that there are many sites more vulnerable than those already mentioned. Dr Russell Howorth responded that today the meeting will target some broad areas and that the stakeholders convene again to properly define target sites, while indicating the criteria of site selection and doing an inventory of the sites. Lotte (Micro-Projects) suggested that the area to be chosen must have good participation from the community. He stressed that maximum benefit will only be achieved through maximum participation. Honiara and other urban areas, where legal frameworks and enforcement are generally necessary to progress matters, will not be the best targets. He emphasised that community ownership is more likely to be obtained in rural areas and this is where the EU-SOPAC Project should concentrate. John (SIWA), proposed Tikopia, Ontong Java and Sikaiana because these isolated and vulnerable communities have got pertinent issues for coastal erosion and water supply. Russell responded with concern regarding the great distances involved, impacting access and time availability within the Project. Robinson (RWSS) further suggested the Auki region on Malaita. By mutual consent, SOPAC staff left the room for one hour to allow the stakeholders further discussion amongst themselves to try and arrive at some concensus of opinion on Project locations. Following lunch, the meeting re-convened (less FM & SKB of SOPAC who had departed to catch flights) and the stakeholders presented their chosen areas to the remaining SOPAC project staff. PRIORITY AREAS AND ISSUES FOR SOLOMON ISLANDS The three sites selected for potential work under this project were identified as:-

• New Georgia, • North West Guadalcanal, Iron Bottom Sound, Savo, and • Auki Langa Langa areas, Malaita.

(a) New Georgia Areas of interest and associated issues include:-

• Marovo Lagoon Proposed World Heritage site • Tetepari A conservation area • Noro Pollution from Fish Cannery • Roviana Lagoon A conservation area • Gizo Aquaculture/pearl farming, Tourism and Diving • Raruman Seaweed Farm • Munda International Airport • Vanunu Gold Mining potential. Question “can it be mined sustainably,

without damage to the World Heritage site at Marovo Lagoon?” In addition, island-wide issues include palm oil plantation development, high population growth rates, limited arable land, slash-and-burn cultivation, de-forestation, commercial logging and some reafforestation projects.


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(b) North West Guadalcanal, Iron Bottom Sound, Savo Island The area of interest includes Southern Florida (Tulagi Port), North-west Guadalcanal including the Guadalcanal Plains, Savo Island and Honiara. Associated issues include:

• Problems with effective water resources management. • Problems with effective provision of water supply & sewerage services to Honiara • Watershed Management to protect water supply for Honiara. • Sewage contamination of nearshore waters in Iron Bottom Sound. • Concern about marine (oil) pollution risks posed by WW II wrecks in Iron Bottom Sound. • Groundwater contamination from WW II dumps on Guadalcanal Plains.

(c) Auki/Langa Langa areas, West Malaita The area of interest includes the town of Auki and the Langa Langa Lagoon. Associated issues include:

• Auki, the main administrative centre for Malaita, is the most populated island in the Solomon Islands group accounting for 30% of the total national population. The town has been growing rapidly in recent years and is experiencing water supply and sewage disposal problems. Wastewater outfalls flow into the sea and marine currents transport sewage to the densely-populated Langa Langa area.

• Langa Langa Lagoon is home to the “sea dwellers” who build their houses in the coastal shallows and on reefs out in the lagoon and artificial islands that they create by mining aggregates from the seabed. Problems include depletion and destruction of mangroves for firewood and new settlements. Increased pollution of the lagoon and sedimentation from upstream slash-and-burn agriculture from new settlements in watershed areas and along river systems that feed into the lagoon. Dynamite fishing in lagoon is a problem and government wants to encourage seaweed farming so as to discourage dynamiting.

FUTURE ACTIONS It was agreed that, following the meeting, SOPAC Staff would develop a draft workplan incorporating the issues described above. This would be circulated for comment and discussion at the 2nd Stakeholders meeting to be held in July/August.


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Attachment A – Stakeholder participation list

Name Position Organisation E-mail Phone

Allan Lilia Engineer SIWA [email protected] 23985

Allisson K Papabatu

Principal Seismic Observer Mines Division 28609

Cherry Galo Director ADRA Solomon Islands 30006

Donn Tolia Director of Geology Geological Survey [email protected] 28609

Ellison Habu Director of Mines Mines Division [email protected] 28609

Francis Orodani Permanent Secretary Mines and Energy 28609

Franck Martin ICT Specialist SOPAC [email protected] 3381377

Freda Unosi SIWA [email protected] 23985

Gilmour Pio SIISLAP [email protected] 27298

Harry Wantana Physical Planning [email protected] 28600

Isaac Lekelalu Director of Water Mines and Energy [email protected] 26352

John Saunana

Department Provincial Government and Constituency Development 26060

John Taaru Department of Infrastructure Development 28605

John Waki SIWA [email protected] 23985

Kenneth Bulehite International Waters Programme [email protected] 28735

Lottie Vaisekavea Manager Micro Projects [email protected] 25769

Martin Karani Deputy Director National Disaster Management Office [email protected] 27936

Moses Biliki Director ECD MFEC [email protected] 24325

Paul Teferomu Chief Hydrographer Solomon Islands Hydrographic Office 28320

Randall Biliki PFNET [email protected] 26358

Ray Andrese SIWA [email protected] 23895

Reg Sanday Resource Economist SOPAC [email protected]

Robinson Filgui Director Environmental Health/RWSS [email protected]

Russell Howorth Deputy Director SOPAC [email protected]

Sarah Dyer President Solomon Islands Council of Women [email protected] 27529

Stephen Booth Water Specialist SOPAC [email protected]

Tiga Masolo Environmental Officer ECD MFEC [email protected] 24325


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ACRONYMS ADRA Adventist Development Relief Agency ECD MFEC Environmental Conservation Dept, Ministry of Forestry, Environment &

Conservation. PFNET People First Network RWSS Rural Water Supply & Sanitation SIISLAP Solomon Islands Institutional Strengthening Land Administration Project SIWA Solomon Islands Water Authority SOPAC South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission


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Attachment B – Record of discussions and meetings Introduction A series of discussions and consultations were held with specific focus groups and relevant stakeholders. This section provides a chronological record of these meetings, the participants and the issues discussed. 1. Ministry of Mines & Energy Date : 11:00 -13:00hrs; Friday, 23rd May 2003 Location : Dept of Geology & Water Resources. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Isaac Lekelalu Deputy Director of Water Resources [email protected] Record of Discussion The Director of Water Resources, Mr Charlie Bepapa, is currently on study leave in NZ, undertaking a MSc in Hydrology & Water Resources at the University of Waikato, Hamilton. He is expected to return in Oct/Nov ’03. From a current staffing viewpoint, IL manages a Senior Hydrologist, an Archives Manager and a Hydrological Assistant. The post of Senior Hydrogeologist is vacant. It is apparent that since the ethnic tensions began, there has been little effective financing available or opportunity to maintain the work of the Water Resources section. The principal external aid-donor used to be (New Zealand) NIWA, providing a Technical Advisor and hydrological equipment, but this ceased in 1990. Internal funding from the Solomon Islands Government is now limited to only SB$30,000 per annum for the whole Division. The department 4x4 vehicle was hijacked and stolen in 1999. With limited funds and no vehicle, no provincial visits have been undertaken with no monitoring anywhere since 1999. Two of the section’s computers, containing much archived water resource data on their hard drives, were stolen in March 2002. Some of the data may be held by NIWA and some may be backed-up on floppy diskettes held within Isaac’s office. Isaac was queried on private industry potentially using large amounts of water - Solbrew and Zetu Enterprises (soft drinks) were noted. Isaac also noted that the Guadalcanal Plains used to have significant groundwater abstraction (eg Solomon Is Plantations) prior to the civil strife, but this has now ceased. Also a large rice paddy scheme utilising surface water, but this was destroyed by cyclone damage. There is little existing legislation – the River Waters Act (1969), is only applicable to the Guadalcanal/Honiara area. The Water Resources Division have been working with the Attorney General’s office to improve more comprehensive draft legislation. The Drilling Section, which has been derelict for the past few years, was briefly inspected; two cable tool rigs heavily overgrown, and an unsecured, dilapidated building/compound containing a variety of old drilling tools, casings and even some s/s screens


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Summary of agreed actions SOPAC to endeavour to clean, recover and archive any water resource monitoring data from the remaining diskettes. Consider advice on data security. • IL to assist SOPAC in contacting other key players in water sector, such as SIWA, RWSS

and appropriate NGO for meetings Mon/Tues.


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2. British High Commission

Date : 15:00 -16:30hrs; Friday, 23rd May 2003 Location : British High Commission. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Caroline Hall Deputy High Commissioner [email protected] Record of Discussion Unfortunately the High Commissioner, Mr Brian Baldwin, was out of Honiara during SOPAC’s visit. The Project was explained to CH, who was then queried on any British aid relating to the Solomon water sector and any useful contacts she could advise on. CH responded that the local HC only has a small budget of Pounds Sterling 40k per annum for allocation via a Small Grants Scheme. Distribution is usually on a “small and many” philosophy, preventing any big errors or failures. Primary aid sectors targeted are usually governance (law & order), health & education. Within the water sector, CH noted that Australia, NZ and the EU (Micro-Projects) were the dominant players, and relevant leads were provided. CH also noted that if they get a “good” proposal/request that exceeds their available budget, they pass it on to DFID in UK for further consideration – she mentioned provision of water pollution kits for the Outer Islands (involving young community members) which they have passed up to London – possibly ‘Catchments & Communities” driven by Christian Neilson(?). CH also thought it would be worth making contact with the local NGO office of World Vision, and talking to the new staff in Suva BHC (Desmond Wood & Rachel Morris). Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to follow through on leads within AusAid, NZAid and EU Micro Projects.


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3. Solomon Telekom Date : Friday, 23rd May 2003 Location : Solomon Telekom. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Franck Martin ICT Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Loyley Ngira Deputy General Manager [email protected] Record of Discussion Loyley advised that the Solomon Islands are now having an ICT working group to advise the government on ICT issues. The working group is working on building up an Intranet between several ministries and departments (communications, commerce, finance, foreign affairs and rural development). Solomon Telekom is likely to get attributed a 15-year exclusive license with review period every 5 years. We also discussed the establishment of an e-mail system for the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Summary of agreed actions It was agreed that Franck would visit the Director of Communication to learn more about the government proposal to have an internal network. It was also agreed to pursue and establish the e-mail system with Solomon Telekom support.


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4. Department of Communication Date : Friday, 23rd May 2003 Location : Department of Communication. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Franck Martin ICT Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Robert Bokelema Director of Communication [email protected] Record of Discussion Discussion was carried out to enquire about the progress of the National ICT working group and its project to link government departments through a governmental network. Summary of agreed actions Robert requested assistance from SOPAC in drawing a basic schematic for the development of an Intranet for the government of Solomon Islands. A proposal to this effect has been written and submitted to the Director, NZAID and AUSAID.


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5. Ministry of Mines & Energy Date : 10:00 –11:30hrs; Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : Dept of Geology & Water Resources. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Isaac Lekelalu Deputy Director of Water Resources [email protected] Record of Discussion The Deputy Director of Water Resources had been unable to fix any appointments for SOPAC last Friday, so the initial part of the morning was spent telephoning various individuals to arrange subsequent meetings. For reference purposes, IL handed SOPAC a copy of the following:

1) Drafting Instruction for the Water Resources Bill 2001; & 2) Review & Assessment of Priority Environmental Concerns in Solomon Islands, Nov’02 – a

report prepared towards the implementation of the International Waters Programme The opportunity was then taken to inspect the Departments Laboratory, Equipment Store and the Maps & Publications unit. A copy of the Ministry of Mines & Energy 2002 Publications List was also handed to SOPAC for future reference. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to consider potential Project activities in light of observations made.


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6. Ministry of Forestry, Environment & Conservation Date : 11:30 –12:30hrs; Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : Environment Division. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Corina Riechenberg SPREP IWP Programme Assistant [email protected].

sb Record of Discussion The National Co-ordinator for the SPREP IWP Programme, Mr Kenneth Bulehite (tel/fax; 28735), was away from the office, so the EU Project was outlined to CR, a brochure was left for KB and both were invited to attend the stakeholder meeting on Thursday. The SPREP-IWP Programme has also been undertaking stakeholder consultations to determine a suitable location for their pilot project and identify the priority environmental concerns to be addressed through one or more of its key focal areas. CR noted that the project was probably tending to somewhere in the W. Province and would likely be concentrating on coastal communities. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC and SPREP to maintain liaison and determine potential project interlinkages, both in respect of locality and possibilities of mutual, holistic benefit e.g. the EU-SOPAC Project might possibly undertake the upstream watershed/water resource studies and offshore aspects relating to the particular catchments of SPREP/s chosen coastal community area(?).


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7. Solomon Islands Water Authority Date : 13:00 –14:00hrs; Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : SIWA office. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] John Waki General Manager of SIWA [email protected] Record of Discussion JW noted that the EU had recently financed (through the Ministry of Development Planning & the Ministry of Mines & Energy) a report by the German Consultancy Hydroplan, detailing a Technical & Financial Recovery Programme for SIWA. An electronic copy of the text dated March 2003 was supplied to SOPAC. An electronic copy of the National Economic Recovery & Development Plan 2003-2005, was also supplied for reference. In general discussion, JW commented on the decline in service ability since “the tensions”, eg destruction and vandalising of infrastructure, parlous state of financing and (lack of effective) cost recovery within SIWA, the bad leakage losses the reticulation system suffers from (prob 70%-80% in some areas), frequent electricity power outages, lack of monitoring capacity or control on raw water treatment, lack of laboratory analytical capacity, raw sewage discharges via a number of sea outfalls to Iron Bottom Sound, land ownership disputes etc. The GIS Technician Mr Brian Pitakia briefly demonstrated a MapInfo system SIWA operates to assist with their asset management. He would clearly welcome additional training. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to undertake a reconnaissance site visit all day tomorrow (27/05/03) with SIWA staff to inspect sourceworks. On return to office, undertake further discussions with other SIWA staff as appropriate.


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8. Development Services Exchange Scheme Date : 14:00 –15:00hrs; Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : DSE office, New Chinatown next to Solomon Star. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Edgar Pakoa Director [email protected] Record of Discussion Development Services Exchange Scheme functions as a co-ordinating body for all the NGO’s operating within the Solomon Islands. They used to have at least 96 affiliated member organisations on their listing (electronic copy supplied to SOPAC), but subsequent to the ethnic tensions of 1999, there are now only about 40 still active in Honiara – only a handful of these reportedly operate within the water sector. Edgar particularly noted the Solomon Is Development Trust (SIDT) who have very few resources but are active in village level water, sanitation & health programmes; and the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA), who he felt were particularly active supporting rainwater-roof tank systems. Contact names/numbers for these NGO’s were obtained. Edgar was invited to the stakeholder meeting on Thurs. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to try and meet SIDT (nb Director – Mr Abraham Baenisia not available during current visit) and ADRA.


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9. Ministry of Health & Medical Services Date : 15:30 –16:30hrs; Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : Rural Water Supply & Sanitation office; Environmental Health. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Robinson Fugui Director of RWSS [email protected] Bobby Patterson Engineering Project Manager RWSS Record of Discussion Robinson explained that the RWSS section used to receive its principal funding support through AusAID, but their input stopped once the ethnic tensions began (RWSS still await a final report from Coffey MPW Pty Ltd?). A copy of RWSS Annual Plan for 2000-01 was supplied to SOPAC. Although the EU Micro-Projects stepped into the funding gap, RWSS have had no confirmation of continued support beyond June ’03, so they currently remain very uncertain about their future direction. RWSS work closely with NGO’s such as SIDT and World Vision, with RWSS providing the technical/feasibility surveys and engineering support. They have a particular need for support with basic field survey equipment such as portable altimeters (Pretel 5-m accuracy; Barigo 1-m accuracy), clinometers, GPS, levels. Within the office they stated that they need assistance with data management, and their GIS Technician also requires training. When questioned about water supply vulnerability in the outer islands, they felt that low-lying atolls, such as Ontong Java & Sikaiana were particularly worthy cases, along with some of the Reef Islands which could be suitable project sites. A report on the Groundwater Resources of Ngalo (LomLom) Island, by Bob Curry, June‘85- NIWA, was supplied for reference by SOPAC. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to consider assistance with basic field equipment requirements of RWSS. • SOPAC to consider assistance with training requirements expressed by RWSS. • RWSS to contribute their thoughts and experience to the choice of project location(s) to

be determined at tomorrow’s workshop.


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10. People First Network Date : Monday, 26th May 2003 Location : People First Network Office Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Franck Martin ICT Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Randall Biliki Manager [email protected] Record of Discussion Randall described the People First Network which links remote villages using VHF radios and the Internet. It provides e-mail post-offices for the villages to be in contact with the rest of the population in other centres as well as around the world. This system is a great advocacy tool for rural areas. Summary of agreed actions

• It was recommended that Randall attends the stakeholder meeting to ensure transfer of information between the rural communities and the project.


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11. Site Visits with SIWA Date : 09:30 –16:30hrs; Tuesday 27th May 2003 Location : Various as detailed below Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] John Waki General Manager of SIWA [email protected] Ray Andresen Divisional Head of Engineering Services Chris Mareko Senior Works Officer Record of Discussion a.m. The Matiniko Wellfield, lying a short distance due south of Honiara, is situated between the Matiniko River and Tuvaruhu village. Originally comprising an Infiltration Gallery and 2 boreholes constructed in the early ‘60’s (though only one is now operational), an additional 5 boreholes (100 m x 0.2 m) were added under JICA funding in 1997. These were all originally test pumped (individually +/or group tested?) and resistivity logged (SIWA have hard copy of report – sands and gravels over limestone). All boreholes reportedly now operating 24/7 at full pumping capacity. They have in-line flowmeters, but no monitoring/access for RWL’s, PWL’s. Also no individual sampling taps or raw water monitoring undertaken. The individual yields and cumulative degree of interference drawdown are unknown factors, placing serious operational limitations on source/wellfield management and sustainability. Three of the boreholes (M3, M5, M1) lie on the terrace edge close to the river and induced recharge is a consideration. The area immediately adjacent to M1 is also used for fly-tipping of village refuse. Villagers also use the river for laundry washing, and there are pigpens, and latrines in the vicinity. There is a large communal septic tank sited close to M4, just beyond the water supply compound. Despite these many obvious risks to water quality, SIWA have been unable to achieve any water quality sampling since the troubles and there is no check on the Chlorine Residual levels of the cumulative supply (bulk outflow meter recording 38.5l/s during visit) pumped up the rising main to the Skyline Reservoir Tank. The derelict remains of the wet-well sump and purported alignment of the infiltration gallery were inspected; both now lie some distance from and above river level. This system used to be the main source (for Honiara?) but became disused after 1984 when Kongolai came onstream. John Waki would like the feasibility of rehabilitating this old system, or building a new system, investigated. On return to the office, the following additional SIWA personnel were also met:

• Ms Freda Unosi, Community Education & Consultation Officer. Relatively new in post, and has little support material other than a couple of Australian teaching resource files. She could have utilised any amount of support material from SOPAC for the local schools during World Water Day. She gets involved with SIDT theatre group presentations, fortnightly radio sessions, production of a newsletter (SIWASOURCE) focussing on water conservation issues; and maintains links with associated Ministries such as Health, Mines and Conservation.

• Jacob Houtarau, Environmental Engineer, has done an attachment with Ecowise, and is nominally responsible for the SIWA chemical and microbiological laboratory facility. They have an operational Spectrophotometer which can analyse up to 200 determinands, and a HACH 4000 kit, but lack basic chemicals, reagents etc due to lack of money. They used to


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have basic field monitoring kit for pH, Conductivity, DO, Turbidity etc, but all were lost during the troubles. He mentioned an AusAID-funded SIWA Rehab project undertaken by SMEC, but their report had never been released(?).

p.m. The White River Spring source and the associated Kongulai Pumping Station at the western extremity of the SIWA supply zone were visited (SKB/RA/CM) initially. Following destruction by explosives during the tensions, the Pumping Station has been reconstructed with EU funds. The karst spring is impressive and although generally steady, there have been historic instances of sudden declines in outflow and there is scant knowledge of controlling factors within its hydrogeological catchment. Water from the spring flow is distributed both by gravity (down the White River valley) and via pumped rising main to the Tasahe Tank for subsequent gravity supply. No monitoring of spring flow or raw water quality; in-line flowmeters also malfunctioning. Land owners take a high royalty per cubic metre of water, therefore SIWA keen to reduce their reliability and costs on this source. The Panatina borehole sources (x3), situated toward the eastern extremity of the SIWA supply zone, were then briefly visited at the end of the afternoon. The boreholes were undergoing “rehabilitation” in sequence, comprising having their submersible pumps lifted, suction intakes and rising main interior cleaned (latter i.d. of 80 mm has reduced in some cases down to 30 mm as a result of orange-brown precipitate – presumed iron hydroxides – reportedly only deposited within the top 20 m of pipe). Insufficient annulus to allow borehole dips to be monitored, therefore no knowledge of static/pumped water level behaviour; in-line flowmeters dead. Simple step tests would be an opportunity during rehab works here. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to take note of the EU-funded Technical & Financial Recovery Programme; Hydroplan Final Report (03/03).

• SIWA have fresh, young, well-qualified and apparently enthusiastic staff to form the basic recovery platform; but no resources!

• There is a potential plethora of project support activities relating to understanding, protecting, monitoring and managing SIWA’s water sources and their catchments.

• Ditto with respect to support for water conservation aspects, both via SIWA’s own Community Officer and possibly leakage detection.

• Ditto with respect to support to GIS training, GPS locational surveys and management of water and sewerage assets.

• Ditto with respect to support to water quality laboratory facilities, equipment and chemicals.

• Possible monitoring of water quality adjacent sewer outfalls in Iron Bottom Sound (bathymetric survey should identify better locations(?)).


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12. Solomon Islands Institutional Strengthening of Land Administration Project (SIISLAP) Date : Tuesday, 27th May 2003 Location : People First Network Office Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Franck Martin ICT Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Rod Little Australian Team Leader [email protected] Gilmore Pio Technical adviser Ellison Habu Director of Mines [email protected] Record of Discussion AUSAID is funding a project to collect all spatial data from all departments so as to set up a repository. The project is also involved in doing a complete mapping exercise of Solomon Islands. The interaction between this unit and EU-SOPAC Project is important. The SIISLAP project is collecting aerial imagery for the whole of Solomon Islands, combined with radar data from an air-borne platform. This data should be available by the end of the year. Summary of agreed actions

• It was agreed that Ellisson will draft a letter to request the copy of some of the data from

the SIISLAP Project to assist image rectification within the EU-SOPAC Project. SOPAC will provide the SOPAC Pacific Cities CD as well as SOPAC VirLib and Data CD.


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13. EU Micro-Projects Date : 10:30 –11:30hrs; Wednesday, 28th May 2003 Location : EU µ-Projects office. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Lottie Vaisekavea Project Manager [email protected]

m.sb Record of Discussion The EU µ-Projects programme is currently in its 1ST phase (end’02-end Oct’03), and Euro 5.7 M are further allocated from EDF9. The current programme is operating on a budget of SB$17 M servicing about 148 projects (out of c.1700 applications received). There are 12 staff in the office – Nick Unsworth, the TA in charge, returns early June, plus 4 Agriculturalists, 2 Engineers, 2 Accountants; Peter Wopereis was their water engineer but he recently left and the position was currently being advertised. A list of the approved projects was copied for SOPAC for information; dominant sectoral headings appear to be agriculture, health and education. Water supply & sanitation schemes are noted under the health sector – some major contributions apparent to general national assistance for RWSS and ADRA, others are generally specific to a particular community or school. Approx cumulative allocation of SB$2.7M for water-related projects (i.e. represents about 16% of total). Lottie explained that the EU µ-Project effectively took over the earlier AusAID RWSS (abandoned?) programme; they entertain applications ranging from SB$30k-$100k, the smaller rural schemes still use materials left over from AusAID. The requirement for a 25% community contribution to gravity-feed and well schemes has recently been reduced to 12.5%. He felt that because Govt. policy promotes logging, protection of catchment areas was a big problem and they have had to shift s/w intakes/dams further upstream. Lottie also specifically mentioned that they have worked in partnership with World Vision with respect to groundwater sources and solar pumps. They are also involved with school reconstruction and outrigger canoe provision on Tikopia – following the recent cyclone damage the central lake has opened and a channel is eroding? He felt this was something SOPAC might advise on(?). Lottie also noted other EU projects and staff who would probably be interested in liaising on our project, namely:- Mr Vince Hart NAO, Panatina Plaza; Tel 30154 Mr Dave Torrence Marine Infrastructure; Tel 24221/24225 Capt Angus Scotland Inter-Island & Maritime Shipping; Tel 30686 ?? Rural Fisheries Programme? Summary of agreed actions

• Lottie to attend & contribute to tomorrow’s workshop. • SOPAC to contact other EU-funded project staff as appropriate.


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14. Adventists Development Relief Agency (ADRA) Date : 14:00 –15:30hrs; Wednesday, 28th May 2003 Location : SDA HQ at Burns Creek. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Cherry Galo Director [email protected] Record of Discussion ADRA has been active in-country for the past two decades. CG has recently taken over the Director’s post (previous incumbent, with lots of local knowledge, is David Cram, now the Regional Head of ADRA working out of Suva). ADRA have experienced and dedicated staff that work to Provincial standards, but Cherry commented that they often lack background knowledge and assistance with basic training would be welcomed – they are most often dealing with ferro-cement tanks, rainwater harvesting schemes, or gravity schemes from elevated s/w sources or pumped storage, but have no capability regarding assessment of sources; depend on and work with RWSS. They had various stockpiles of pvc and polyethylene piping on site. CG was verbally invited to tomorrow’s workshop. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to make contact with David Cram, Regional Head of ADRA in Suva.


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15. New Zealand High Commission Date : 16:00 –16:40hrs; Wednesday 28th May 2003 Location : NZHC, City Centre Building. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Franck Martin ICT Specialist [email protected] John Mataira Deputy High Commissioner [email protected].

nz Record of Discussion The EU Project was outlined to JM and an information brochure handed over. Purpose of meeting was explained as exploratory for SOPAC to identify which Aid donors are active and where, to ensure effort is not duplicated. JM explained that NZ are currently drafting a 3-year Bilateral Strategy document, but nothing is going to happen until a firm commitment is gained from the SI on good governance processes – a multi-donor meeting will discuss in Aug’03. JM noted that NZ principal sectors of support would be:

• Education (advocacy/teacher training); • Rural Dev & Health (schools); • Governance (law & order); • Agriculture (honey bees); and • Some small project work (c.NZ$200k in total).

SOPAC handed JM a copy of a proposal seeking financial support to the creation of a Govt Intranet service. Summary of agreed actions

• JM would review Intranet proposal.


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16. EU Delegation in Solomon Islands Date : 16;45 –17:05hrs; Wednesday, 28th May 2003 Location : Resident Adviser’s Office. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Franck Martin ICT Specialist [email protected] Dr Hendrik Smets Resident Adviser [email protected] Record of Discussion A very brief courtesy visit to say hello and introduce SOPAC project staff to the Resident Advisor. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC Project staff to endeavour to keep the Resident Advisor informed during each visit.


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17. EU National Authority Office Date: 18:00hrs; Wednesday, 28th May 2003 Location: King Solomon Hotel Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Franck Martin ICT Specialist [email protected] Russell Howorth SOPAC Deputy Director [email protected] Vince Hart Project Manager [email protected] Record of Discussion Vince Hart heads the EU NAO-Programme Management Unit, attached to the Department of National Reform & Planning. The Unit has a responsibility for co-ordinating all the EU-funded work within the Solomon Islands, but Vince was unaware of the EU-SOPAC EDF8 Project or its objectives. Summary of agreed actions

• Russell Howorth to meet Vince later in the week to fully apprise him of situation.


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18. Australian High Commission Date : 08:30 – 09:30hrs; Thursday, 29th May 2003 Location : AHC & CPRF. Participants: Name Position (Affiliation) Email Stephen Booth Water Resources Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Franck Martin ICT Specialist (SOPAC) [email protected] Stacey Greene Second Secretary (Development Co-

operation) AHC [email protected]

Rod Little Australian Team Leader [email protected] Rob Brunette Project Manager, Community Peace &

Restoration Fund [email protected]

Record of Discussion The EU Project was outlined to AHC and an information brochure handed over. Purpose of meeting was explained as exploratory for SOPAC to identify which Aid donors are active and where, to ensure effort is not duplicated. SG explained that Australia are redesigning their aid programme and concentrating on governance issues, primarily the law and order situation. Currently active sectors are:

• Community Peace & Restoration Fund (CPRF); • Ministry of Health (recurrent budget of A$8M supporting laboratory and other health

services); and • Solomon Islands Institutional Strengthening of Land Administration Project (SIISLAP) –

see separate meeting notes. SOPAC handed SG a copy of a proposal seeking financial support to the creation of a Government Intranet service. SG introduced SKB to RB in the separate offices of CPRF. This scheme has been running since November 2000, providing small grants to grassroots community groups for rehabilitation, restoration and peace-building activities. They have a well-organised central office and between 1-7 officers in each province. They have some 550 projects, 300 of which are complete. About one-third relate to the water sector; all gravity schemes, many basic provision of a storage tank. Most water schemes on Malaita, some on Guadalcanal, 3 in Western. Considerable number of rainwater tanks supplied to the Reef Islands, and many fibreglass tanks to Rennell & Bellona. CPRF provided SOPAC with a copy of a recently produced Information document, tabulating basic details of all their schemes. Summary of agreed actions

• SOPAC to retain contact with CPRF once EU-SOPAC Project location(s) fixed.


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Attachment C

TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR PROPOSED

EU/EDF8 POSITION: Resource Information Officer (Solomon Islands) The in-country Resource Information Officer will be responsible to the Director of the Ministry of Mines & Energy for ensuring the transmission of Project philosophy and sustainability ideals to schools, local educational establishments, village-level communities and other stakeholders.

1. Officer Duties The duties of the post shall include, but not be restricted to, the following principal activities:-

• Co-ordination of national activities in the Solomon islands for the SOPAC/EU Project “ Reducing Vulnerability in Pacific ACP States”, with the SOPAC Secretariat in Suva.

• Establish and implement public awareness activities related to the Project in the Solomon Islands

• Organise and implement community workshops • Prepare information documentation for use in schools and the community generally to

ensure the Project information resources are accessible to and used by the community • Liaise with national advocacy personnel and provide briefing as required • Organise national stakeholder meetings between all government and non-government

stakeholders • Work at the SOPAC Secretariat from time-to-time to develop personal capacity and

optimise preparation of materials to facilitate the duties of the position

2. Skills Required

• Degree in Environmental or Earth Sciences • IT skills in Microsoft Office applications • Good literacy skills in English and Solomon Islands Pijin • Good inter-personnel skills • Experience with community awareness programmes

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