President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Masato Kanda, has described the Tina River Hydropower Project as a transformational initiative following his visit to the site on 16 February 2026.
Speaking during the visit, President Kanda said the project, once completed, will provide clean and reliable electricity to Honiara, supplying more than two-thirds of the city’s power needs.
“This 15-megawatt plant will mark a major milestone in shifting the Solomon Islands towards clean energy,” President Kanda said. “This transition will reduce electricity costs, helping businesses and communities thrive while ensuring long-term sustainability.”
During his tour, President Kanda observed construction progress from a vantage point above the riverbed, noting significant advancements. He highlighted that tunnelling works are expected to commence soon, followed by construction of the dam wall, which will rise 72 metres and span approximately 234 metres.
ADB is supporting the project with an USD 18 million concessional loan and a USD 12 million grant from its Asian Development Fund. President Kanda emphasised that across the Pacific, ADB continues to expand access to electricity and strengthen energy security through similar initiatives.
He further underscored the importance of partnerships in delivering major infrastructure projects, stating that the Tina River Hydropower Project reflects ADB’s commitment to quality infrastructure and effective collaboration.
ADB is working closely with the Government of Solomon Islands, the World Bank Group, Australia, the Green Climate Fund, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and the Export–Import Bank of Korea to ensure the project’s success.
“Together, we are turning this project into reality to benefit the people of the Solomon Islands for generations to come,” President Kanda said.
