The Concessional Financing Partners (CFPs), led by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, Korea Ex-Im Bank and the Government of Australia conducted the March 2026 mission to the Tina River Hydropower Development Project (TRHDP). As part of their ongoing commitment to building project capacity in monitoring and supervision, WB OHS specialist Mr Edwark Nock delivered a full-day training focused primarily on tunnelling operations and oversight. One strategy used to improve the effectiveness of the tunnelling OHS training was to place OHS and technical teams into mixed groups, allowing participants to build a shared understanding of tunnelling processes, associated hazards, and the controls required to manage risks safely.
Photo 1 – View of E&S Teams interacting through review of risk assessment of TBM and linking it with process flow
The primary objective of the training was to progressively build the capacity of project stakeholders OHS teams to effectively monitor and supervise tunnelling activities. The training brought together the project stakeholders, including the Project Office (PO), Environmental and Social Safeguards (E&SS) Team, Tina Hydropower Limited (THL), Hyundai Engineering Company (HEC), and the SINOHYDRO Health and Safety (HS) Team. The session commenced with a safety share and discussion, highlighting key issues and setting the foundation for deeper engagement.
Photo 2 - View of THL/HEC/PO team interacting with trainer (Ed Nock)
The TRHDP is the largest infrastructure project in the country. One of the key components of the project is the construction of a 3.3 km headrace tunnel to the dam, using a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). With TBM operations expected to commence in the coming months, the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of project stakeholders to monitor and supervise tunnelling activities effectively.
Photo 3 - Participants during the introduction of the training overview
The first part of the training focused on emergency and evacuation procedures. The HS teams from both SINOHYDRO and HEC shared practical insights from their experience, while participants collectively identified key areas for improvement and strengthening.
Photo 4 - Members of the HEC E&S Team, THL, and SINOHYDRO teams during group activity discussions
The second part of the training was more practical and interactive. Participants reviewed the Method Statement for the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) and the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), with the aim of identifying risks, recommending mitigation measures, and assigning responsibilities. Participants were divided into six groups and tasked with addressing 41 detailed questions. This exercise enabled in-depth discussion on risk management, alignment with documented procedures, and identification of critical gaps requiring improvement.
Photo 5 - View of brainstorming on the TBM Process
The training concluded with Mr Ed Nock presenting a consolidated feedback from all groups. He highlighted key areas for improvement, particularly in preparation for the upcoming TBM operations. All action points were clearly outlined, along with constructive feedback on the training module to support continuous improvement in OHS monitoring and supervision.
Photo 6 - Group Photo of WB, THL, PO, HEC training participants
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
A National Project of Solomon Islands | Tina River Hydropower Tina River Hydropower is a National Project of Solomon Islands and has as its objective to provide more affordable and reliable energy options to Honiara. www.tina-hydro.com |
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