A delegation from Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co., Ltd from China is in Gizo, Western Province, for a three-day technical visit to assess the feasibility of a seawater desalination pilot project.
The visit, hosted by the Gizo Kolombangara Constituency (GKC) and the Western Provincial Government (WPG), includes site assessments and community consultations in Babanga and Nusabaruku.
GKC Finance Manager Mr. Tamisia Luxton, Constituency Project Officer Prasanna Lezutuni, and Constituency Development Officer Mr. Alphonse Wale coordinated the program, facilitating meetings with provincial officials and local leaders.
They paid a courtesy visit to the Western Province Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena on behalf of Premier who was away on Tuesday.
The Gizo Kolombangara Constituency CDO Mr. Wale told Solomon Star in an interview on Wednesday that discussions focused on confirming technical requirements, identifying possible plant sites, and exploring funding sources, including Constituency Development Funds and support from development partners.
He said the Chinese team is currently in the preliminary stage, gathering data, considering design options, and exploring financing for the proposed infrastructure.
“One of their key requirements and is land allocation with direct access to the sea, including enough space for solar installations—at least one hectare,” Wale explained.
However, one of the demands that the Chinese Firm need is the allocation and spaces for land that have access to the sea.
“This means it needs a space for solar and other big space least a minimal of hector,” Wale added.
According to initial findings, two possible sites have been identified: Sawmill and Tisi in Gizo.
However, Wale said, land issues in Tisi make Sawmill the preferred option at this stage.
The final decision will be confirmed after further assessments.
Western Province Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena said, the proposal aligns with a similar submission the WPG made to the Indian Government, which has also expressed interest in supporting a desalination system for Gizo.
“While we have yet to receive feedback from India, we are currently working with three separate technical teams on Gizo’s water crisis,” Toiraena said, adding that SMEC, contracted by Solomon Water, will soon begin drilling works at West Gizo’s water source.
He commended the current provincial government for being vocal and proactive in tackling Gizo’s long-standing water issues.
Wale said, if implemented, the desalination project could transform water access for Gizo residents, providing a reliable and safe supply to meet the town’s growing needs.
Just last month Jiangsu seawater desalination company has successfully inaugurated a transformative 250-ton seawater desalination project in Kiribati, liberating over 2,000 locals from the enduring burden of water scarcity.
Established in 2013, Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination Development Co, based in Yancheng, Jiangsu province, has been at the forefront of researching and implementing new energy seawater desalination technology to address power and water shortages in isolated islands and brackish water regions.
The company also helps several countries, including Maldives, and Malaysia, with their seawater desalination projects.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
Photo caption: The Jiangsu Fenghai New Energy Seawater Desalination delegation, Gizo Kolombangara Constituency CDO Alphonse paid a courtesy visit to WP PS Patrick Toiraena with Provincial Engineer and Lands Division Officer at Provincial Headquarter in Gizo WP.
