The World Bank Country Director for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands, Mr Stephen Ndegwa, visited the Tina River Hydropower Development Project site in central Guadalcanal this week to view the progress made on the project since his previous visit in late 2023.
Accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Mr. Chris Vehe, the World Bank Resident Representative for Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, Ms. Annette Leith, and the Tina River Project Office staff, the visit to the 15 MW renewable energy project was an opportunity to discuss the achievements and upcoming works for the tunnel and dam site set to commence in the coming months.
Mr. Ndegwa expressed satisfaction with the progress made and emphasized the World Bank's commitment to supporting initiatives that promote clean energy and sustainable development in the region. He noted that the project marks a significant step towards enhancing energy security and driving economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
"I am pleased to see the substantial advancement in the construction of the access road and other civil works since my last visit nine months ago. I thank the Solomon Islands Government for their continuous support and commitment to the project, as well as the contractors for their progress. The Tina River Hydropower Project is a crucial investment for the Solomon Islands. It enables the use of local natural resources to generate clean and stable renewable energy for the Honiara grid, and provides numerous benefits for social services, business, and economic growth. As we anticipate the start of the main construction works for the power plant, challenges remain, requiring the understanding and support of the SIG and all project partners."
PS Vehe conveyed the Solomon Islands Government's gratitude for the World Bank's ongoing support. "The consistent collaboration of all parties in advancing the project to its current stage has been essential, as has the support of the World Bank and the other five financing parties in fostering sustainable and accountable project execution through our ongoing partnership."
For over a decade, the World Bank has been working closely with the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification under the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to develop the project from preparation to implementation.
The other concessional financing parties include the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, and the Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
Source: Press Release, Tina Hydro project