Honiara, Solomon Islands - UNDP and UNICEF, in partnership with Solomon Islands Government, are actively working to review the enabling environment for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in Solomon Islands. 

Through the UN Development Programme’s (UNDP) Provincial Governance and Service Delivery project, both organizations aim to improve service delivery and strengthen government capacities at national, provincial, and community levels.

At the beginning of the workshop that triggered the review, Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Dr. Melchior Mataki, commented: 

"The collaboration between UNDP, UNICEF, and Solomon Islands Government hopes to bring water, sanitation and hygiene to the top priorities for sustainable development of our country and underscores our collective commitment to ensuring access to safe, climate-resilient, and affordable WASH services for all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, women, and persons with disabilities."

Mozammel Haque, UNDP Project Manager, added: 

"The Provincial Governance and Service Delivery project is instrumental in disbursing sector grants for WASH services to six provinces in the Solomon Islands. These grants will facilitate vital water and sanitation activities, crucial for the communities’ well-being."
Despite ongoing efforts, Solomon Islands faces challenges in WASH service provision.

Recent data indicates minimal progress, with rural areas experiencing significant disparities in access compared to urban areas. Open defecation remains prevalent, posing obstacles to meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 by 2030.

To address existing challenges and chart a path forward, stakeholders from government agencies and NGOs delivering service products in Solomon Islands convened to review the status of WASH services, identify bottlenecks, and prioritize activities for the way forward while fostering collaboration, and looking for actionable solutions to accelerate progress in the WASH sector.

Recognizing the importance of data-driven decision-making, stakeholders prioritized strengthening data collection and monitoring mechanisms.

The WASH Enabling Environment Review workshop represents a pivotal moment in advancing WASH goals in the Solomon Islands. By harnessing collective expertise and fostering collaboration to ensure sustainable access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for all citizens.

The workshop took place in a week that saw World Water Day celebrated, and the awarding of the Rural WASH Changemakers Awards to celebrate the best practices of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene initiatives in the country.

Between World Water Day and World Toilet Day on 19 November, WASH service providers in the country will be able to submit their success stories to compete for the awards.

Supported by the European Union under the European Development Fund, the Provincial Governance and Service Delivery Project is being implemented by UNDP and, in partnership with the Government of Solomon Islands under the Ministries of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening; Education and Human Resources Development; and Health and Medical Services.

For more information or media inquiries please contact:

Daniel C. Gonzalez, Communications Analyst, UNDP Solomon Islands Office, daniel.calderon.gonzalez@undp.org | +677 7740740/ +34 656560270