MMERE hopes to have water issues raised at PIFLM 2025

By Eliza Kukutu

The Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE)  is looking forward to having the issue of water raised and discussed at the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

The Ministry and its stakeholders recently hosted Pacific delegates in Honiara for the 16th Pacific Water Conference & EXPO and the 9th Pacific Water Ministerial Forum.

The Ministerial Forum concluded with commitments by Pacific Ministers responsible for water to elevate discussions on water to the highest regional level, the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting.

In a signed communiqué, the Ministers emphasized the role of the Pacific Water Ministerial Forum (PWWM) in informing Pacific Islands Forum Leaders and related processes on water and wastewater priorities, challenges, and needs.

They also agreed to encourage Ministers to work with their Heads of Government to ensure that water is prioritized in the PIF Leaders’ deliberations.

Speaking to SIBC News, Director of the Water Division, Richard Molea, confirmed that a cabinet paper had been submitted, outlining the outcomes of the forum.

“The Permanent Secretary and I have submitted a cabinet paper, which will be deliberated on. This is to brief the cabinet on the outcomes of the PWWA Ministers Forum and some of the commitments stated in the communiqué,” he said.

“We have also submitted a briefing for the incoming Chair of the PIF Meeting, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, on what we hope can be raised at the meeting to help us as a country.”

Molea then outlined some of the key points in the briefing, which include the need to recognize water at the regional level not only as a human right but also as a productive resource that is crucial for health, resilience, and economic growth.

He said the importance of positioning the Solomon Islands as a regional champion for water security was also emphasized.

“By elevating discussions on water to such a level, it will bring much greater attention to the issue and ensure there is sustained political commitment, resourcing, investment, and financing ,  all of which align with the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific,” Molea said.

ENDS//