𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭.

President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr. Masato Kanda, has described the Tina River Hydropower Project as a transformational initiative following his visit to the project site on 16^th February 2026.

Speaking during the visit, President Kanda said once completed, the project will deliver clean and reliable power to Honiara, supplying more than two-thirds of the city’s electricity needs.

“This 15-megawatt plant will mark a major milestone in shifting Solomon Islands to clean energy,” President Kanda said. “This shift will lower electricity costs, helping businesses and communities thrive while ensuring long-term sustainability.”

During his visit, President Kanda viewed construction progress from a lookout above the riverbed, noting significant advancements on site. He highlighted that tunnelling works are expected to begin soon, followed by construction of the dam wall, which will stand 72 metres high and span approximately 234 meters.

ADB is supporting the project with an USD18 million concessional loan and a USD12 million grant from its Asian Development Fund. President Kanda emphasized 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 strong collaboration.

ADB is working alongside 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 bring the project to fruition.

“Together, we are turning this project into reality to benefit the people of Solomon Islands for generations to come,” President Kanda said.

Picture 1 – Traditional Welcome

Caption:
The president (ADB) receiving a traditional welcome upon arrival at the project site before the official inspection.

Picture 2 – Dam Site Overview

Caption:
"CEO (THL) and President (ADB) observing ongoing works at the dam site, including structural development and environmental safeguards."

Picture 3 – Reviewing Engineering Plans

Caption:
"Technical representatives reviewing engineering drawings during the field visit to confirm design alignment with on‑site works."

Picture 4 – Field Discussion

Caption:
"PS (MMERE) and President (ADB) engaging in an on‑site briefing on construction activities and project milestones."

Picture 5 – PO, MMERE, ADB representatives at Tunnel Entrance

Caption:
"Project delegation conducting a site inspection at the tunnel entrance, reviewing progress and safety measures."

Picture 6 – Tunnel Progress

Caption: "Technical representatives and the ADB President's team – Group Photo.

For more information, contact:
Communications Officer: Jeanine Gadepeta email: jeanine.gadepeta@tina-hydro.com  
Tina Hydropower development project  
+677 25133 
About Tina River Hydro Development Project (TRHDP)

The first large scale renewable energy project for the Solomon Islands delivering benefits such as more affordable electricity and improved accessibility to cleaner, more reliable energy sources for communities now and in the future. It is being implemented by the Solomon Island Government with financing and support from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Asian Development Bank, the Government of Australia, the Green Climate Fund, Korea EX-IM Economic Development Cooperation Fund, and the World Bank.

Find out more on www.tina-hydro.com

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