Investigation Reveals Failures in Solomon Islands’ Water Treatment Project
A recent investigation by In-depth Solomons and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has exposed the failures of a water treatment project in the Solomon Islands. The project, which was intended to improve clean water production and distribution in the country, has not been completed despite receiving millions of dollars in loans and grants from sources such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The project, which began a decade ago after severe flooding in the capital city of Honiara, was expected to provide clean water to the city’s residents by 2023. However, not a single drop of concrete has been poured and outbreaks of waterborne diseases continue to occur in the crowded city.
The project’s failure can be attributed to the acceptance of the lowest bidder, an Indian joint venture that has a track record of missing deadlines and failing to complete ADB-backed projects. Despite concerns raised by Solomon Water officials, the ADB pushed for the acceptance of the joint venture’s bid.
In addition, it was discovered that the son of the Minister of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification, who has ultimate authority over the project, was hired by the Indian joint venture to carry out minor works. This conflict of interest was not declared to parliament.
The investigation was based on thousands of leaked documents and interviews with individuals with knowledge of the project. The ADB declined to answer specific questions about the project but stated that the joint venture is eligible to participate in ADB-funded projects.
This failure to listen to stakeholders and address concerns is not unique to this project, according to experts. The ADB has a tendency to prioritize cost over quality in its development projects, which can have serious consequences, such as loss of lives.
In the second part of this investigation, the authors will delve deeper into the events following the acceptance of the joint venture’s bid. This failure serves as a cautionary tale for development projects in the Pacific region.
Original Article: https://devpolicy.org/how-solomon-islands-water-plant-became-an-aid-failure-part-1-20240108/