The Choiseul Bay Township Project has taken another major step toward its long-term development plan, with hydrological monitoring now underway at the Sorave River— the proposed main water source for the township’s future utilities.
Project Manager Isaac Lekelalu confirmed that the township development continues to work closely with key line ministries to plan and design essential infrastructure needed for the new town centre, which will be expanded on the mainland at Choiseul Bay in the northwest Choiseul constituency.
Mr Lekelalu told Solomon Star that the expansion covers more than 200 hectares and will accommodate administrative, industrial, and commercial zones within the Tarekukure and Tarepasika sites.
‘’Priority infrastructure includes water supply systems, renewable energy solutions, and access roads across the new subdivisions.
“As part of this effort, the Water Resources Division under the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) has begun installing hydrological monitoring instruments at the Sorave River.
“These include an automatic rain gauge to measure rainfall intensity and a water-level recorder to track fluctuations throughout the year,” he said.
He said, data from these instruments will inform the final design of the township’s water supply system and a proposed mini-hydropower plant that will operate alongside a solar farm.
“Preliminary records show the Sorave River has an average flow of 900–1,100 litres per second in dry and wet seasons. However, continuous monitoring over the next five years is required to confirm optimum design flow for reliable water production.
“Concept designs indicate a daily water production capacity of around 2 megalitres (MLD) will be adequate for the projected township population of 3,000 by 2030.
“For energy needs, the proposed mini-hydropower system is expected to generate up to 150kW using design flows between 700–800 litres per second. A 1MW solar farm is also being considered to create a hybrid renewable energy system, aligning the new township with green-energy development goals,” Mr. Lekelau further added.
Meanwhile, the project office has begun consultations with landowning tribes and local associations to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Sorave water catchment.
Community support and catchment management plans are expected to be vital before construction begins.
Lekelalu emphasized that s a national project, the Choiseul Provincial Government will continue working closely with relevant ministries to progress development over the next five to ten years.
The township development has also been captured under the revised MPGIS Strategic Plan 2026–2030 and aligns with strategic objectives in the 2016 Local Planning Scheme.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
