BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has officially opened and handed over its new Aviation Complex Building at Henderson, marking what Minister for Communication and Aviation Hon. Frederick Kologeto described as an important milestone for the ministry and the country’s aviation and communication sectors.
Speaking at the official handover and opening ceremony today, Minister Kologeto acknowledged the individuals, organisations and stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the completion of the project.
“Today, we are not simply handing over a new building, we are marking an important milestone in the development of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation,” Kologeto said.
He said the project was also part of the government’s continuing efforts to improve the delivery of essential services to the people of Solomon Islands in the aviation and communication sectors.
Kologeto said the construction of the complex was firmly aligned with the Great Coalition Government’s focus on infrastructure and national development.
He said the completion of the building also represented an achievement under the government’s Policy Translation and Implementation Framework, which gives the Ministry of Communication and Aviation responsibility for leading the development of the aviation and communication industries.
The minister said the project had a total value of US$5,771,547.68, or approximately US$5.8 million.
The construction was carried out by China Railway Construction Engineering Group, which signed the contract on 1 November 2024.
According to Kologeto, construction officially began on 17 December 2024 and continued for 652 days before the complex was completed and officially handed over on 30 September 2026.
“Today, after 652 days of construction, we have finally reached this important moment, the completion and officially handing over of this magnificent communication and aviation complex,” he said.
Kologeto described the completion as a testament to the commitment and hard work of the various partners involved in delivering the project.
“Today, we can proudly say that the vision has become a reality,” he said.
The minister also used the occasion to acknowledge everyone who contributed to the project, saying that despite the challenges encountered during its implementation, stakeholders had worked together to turn the ministry’s vision into reality.
He said the ceremony should serve as evidence of successful cooperation between the Government of Solomon Islands and the various stakeholders involved in the project.
“Let this celebration be evidence of the successful cooperation between the various stakeholders and the Government of Solomon Islands,” Kologeto said.
The official opening and handover mark the completion of the new facility and its transition into use by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.
