BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
THE Japanese Government has officially handed over the Kukum-Henderson Highway Phase-2 Project to the Solomon Islands Government at Henderson yesterday.
Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, His Excellency, Yoshiaki Miwa, expressed satisfaction at handing over the upgraded 6.3km road from the Ministry of Fisheries to Honiara’s International Airport.
His Excellency Miwa said Japan’s major contributions to the Pacific Games include the Honiara International Airport Improvement project, which is expected to significantly contribute to Honiara’s long-term development.
The Ambassador emphasizes that Japan’s primary focus in developing assistance to Solomon Islands is infrastructure construction.
He added that the project also includes upgrading Kukum Highway Phase 1, Henderson International Airport development, airport restoration, market and jetty construction in Auki, and improving Honiara port facilities from 2014-2018.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare later expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and people for their unwavering support.
Hon. Sogavare said that the upgraded highway will enhance business transactions by reducing traffic congestion and ensuring a smooth flow of traffic.
He also emphasised the need for reduced vehicle maintenance costs due to improved road conditions and urged Solomon Islanders to prioritize infrastructure maintenance.
“We must take good care of our road, which requires daily cleaning. Instead of waiting for potholes to occur before taking action, we need to return to the days when we had a permanent, devoted workforce that cleaned and maintained our roads every day.”
He continued, “I urge the Road Transport Board to carry out its duties and make use of its authority under the Road and Transport Act to maintain the safety of our road for all of us.”
Mr. Sogavare also commended Japan’s involvement in multilateral organizations like the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.
The Japan Government provided total funding for the 243 million Solomon Islands dollar project, which was carried out by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
