BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO – ISLES MEDIA FREELANCHER
Every day, hundreds of people move through the Solomon Ports Millennium Terminal at Point Cruz in Honiara. Travelers, workers, and visitors come and go, making the terminal a busy hub of activity. Amid all this movement, a dedicated team of cleaners quietly ensures the terminal stays clean, safe, and welcoming.
Hired by Honiara based company Prestige Property Development and Management Limited, these cleaners work tirelessly to maintain order, even during the busiest hours. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it is essential for everyone who uses the terminal.
“Cleaning the terminal is a continuous task,” said William Wahai, the Building and Facility Assistant Operation Manager who speaks on behalf of the cleaning team. “We have our own cleaning programs, especially with the housekeepers. We run morning and afternoon shifts. The morning shift focuses on the ground floor, while the afternoon shift takes over inside the terminal as the morning team works outside.”
The team adapts their cleaning routines to manage crowds without disturbing travelers. “We make sure the terminal is organized, people sit properly in the chairs, and follow the terminal rules. This makes it easier for cleaners to check for rubbish and clean it up without interrupting anyone,” Wahai explained.
Maintaining cleanliness in such a busy environment is no easy task. The cleaners monitor every corner of the terminal, making sure both the inside and outside areas meet high standards. “Our biggest challenge is managing the number of visitors while keeping the terminal clean,” Wahai said. “This terminal needs to meet the expectations of international visitors as well as local citizens. We try our best to keep it clean 24 hours a day.”
Despite rules and announcements, some people still litter or act disorderly, adding pressure to the cleaning staff. “Even though we have clear rules, sometimes the public does not follow them,” Wahai admitted. “But we ensure that housekeepers monitor the place, and the management makes announcements when there are large crowds. It helps us maintain the standard.”
Wahai explains that keeping the terminal clean is not only the cleaners’ responsibility. Everyone who visits the terminal plays a part. “I recommend that everyone takes pride in what we have and helps keep it clean. We all have a responsibility to support the authorities and make sure our environment is safe and welcoming for both local and international visitors,” he said.
The work of the Millennium Terminal cleaners may go unnoticed, but it makes a big difference. Their dedication ensures that people can move through the terminal comfortably and safely. With cooperation from the public, they hope to keep the terminal clean and inviting for years to come.
“Everyone’s help is important,” Wahai said. “Together, we can maintain a clean and safe environment for all.”
