BY LESLEY FOINAGWA – ISLES MEDIA FREELANCHER
A new water monitoring system has been installed at the Fagwa water source as part of the Bina Harbour Project’s commitment to sustainable water resource management in West Kwaio, Malaita province.
The system aims to collect critical data to support future infrastructure development and ensure the long-term availability of clean and safe water for surrounding communities.
The Bina Harbour Project Office says this initiative reflects their ongoing efforts to work closely with local communities to protect water resources and support development. The data collected will help inform decisions around water infrastructure and contribute to keeping water safe, clean, and accessible for years to come.
According to Jack Gaobata, Principal Water Resources Officer from the Ministry of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification in Honiara, the system will provide valuable insights into the strength and flow of the water source over a 12-month period.
“Water must come first in any development. It is essential to understand the capacity of the source to properly design pipes, dams, and other infrastructure,” Gaobata said. “This monitoring will guide engineers in making the right decisions.”
The monitoring period officially began this month, October 2025, and will run until October 2026. Gaobata emphasized that a full year of data is necessary to capture seasonal changes—particularly during the wet season, when rainfall and potential flooding can significantly affect water flow.
“This is the right time to begin. October marks the start of the wet season, and we expect rainfall to increase. This will allow the system to capture comprehensive data, especially during periods of heavy rain and flooding,” he explained.
Two experts from Australia were on-site to oversee the installation, which includes the following advanced equipment:
- A computer vision stream gauging camera to monitor stream levels
- Pressure and water quality sensors
- A weather station
- A data cabinet
- A satellite communication system to transmit data in real-time
Gaobata also confirmed that in two weeks’ time, the team will return to install a satellite-connected CCTV camera to further enhance monitoring capabilities.
“When it comes to water-related projects, our ministry is responsible. We work to ensure that water is managed properly and sustainably for all people,” he stated.
