The Solomon Islands Government, through the Water Resources Division (WRD) of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification was supported through a crucial Water Information System.
An Australian Water Partnership offered the support during a ceremony held on 26 February 2026.
Branded as the Solomon Islands Water Information System (SIWIS), it will strengthen the Water Resources Division’s technical and operational capabilities, supporting future hydrological data management.
The system aims to improve hydrology management efficiency and empower the WRD with a data management system for collecting, storing, analysing, and communicating hydrological data.
The system was developed under an eight month project with support from the Australian Water Partnership aimed at empowering the WRD with a modern data management system.
Permanent Secretary Dr Chris Vehe described the modernised data system as a crucial step toward becoming a more date informed Division.
“We are now taking a crucial step towards becoming a more data-informed division as data is significant to what we do, and I hope to see maps of rivers and catchments of our islands developed,” Dr Vehe said.
The handover marked the transition of responsibility to the WRD to manage SIWIS, with the Fluvio Team continuing to support WRD.
This partnership aims to empower the WRD and improve hydrology management efficiency in Solomon Islands. The WRD is responsible for managing and collecting hydrological data on surface water, groundwater, and water quality.
Previously, the division lacked a clear process for storing, analysing, and communicating this data, hindering its ability to provide accurate water information and to contribute to decision-making.
SIWIS is a result of collaboration between the WRD and the Australian Water Partnership (AWP), addressing technical, social, and operational gaps in water resource management,supporting future hydrological data management.
The handover ceremony marked a crucial step towards becoming a more data-informed division, with Permanent Secretary Dr Vehe emphasising the importance of data in water resource management.
– GCU
