BY JOY OFASIA
Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon. Ricky Fuo has signalled plans to review the Solomon Ports Act while officially commissioning the new Kulabule Jetty at Honiara’s domestic port.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on 17, October, Fuo described the new facility as an important milestone in the government’s commitment to strengthening transport infrastructure across Solomon Islands and improving maritime services for communities throughout the country.
“Maritime transport remains the lifeline of our nation. As an archipelagic country, we rely heavily on maritime transportation to connect our islands, communities, businesses and essential services,” Fuo said.
The minister said that Honiara’s domestic port remains the country’s busiest transport hub, handling thousands of passengers and significant volumes of cargo each week. He said growing demand for shipping services made continued investment in port infrastructure essential.
He revealed that the government is considering legislative reforms to support future port development and investment.
“I think it’s high time that we review the Solomon Ports Act, especially with the changing world and the need for infrastructure investments for Solomon Ports. I look forward to receiving those reviews and taking them to Cabinet and Parliament,” he said.
The newly commissioned Kulabule Jetty measures 50 metres in length and 15 metres in width and was built at a cost of $28 million, fully funded by Solomon Ports Authority.
The facility was designed through a partnership between BECA consultants and Solomon Ports and constructed over an 18-month period by Solomon Ports engineers and project staff.
Fuo said one of the most significant achievements of the project was the leading role played by Solomon Islanders in delivering the infrastructure.
“The highlight of this jetty is the fact that it has been built by locals. Our infrastructure must be built by Solomon Islanders. It must be led and driven by our own people, and that’s how we build our capacity,” he said.
He praised the engineers, project team and workers involved in the construction and highlighted the contribution of project leader Barbara Kyere Qaqa, describing her role as an inspiration for women seeking careers in the construction and infrastructure sectors.
“I’m proud to see women taking leadership roles and inspiring other women to follow suit, especially in the construction industry,” Fuo said.
The jetty is named in honour of the late Captain Judah Kalubule, a long-serving harbourmaster whose contributions helped shape port operations in Solomon Islands.
Fuo said the facility would increase berthing capacity for domestic vessels, reduce congestion at the port, improve passenger and cargo handling, and strengthen safety and accessibility for vessel operators and travellers.
Declaring the facility officially open, Fuo said the Kulabule Jetty represented more than just a construction project.
“It is an investment in the future of Solomon Islands. It reflects our collective commitment to building stronger connections between our provinces, supporting economic development, and creating greater opportunities for our people,” Fuo said.
The Kulabule Jetty is expected to play a key role in improving domestic shipping operations and supporting economic growth across Solomon Islands for years to come.
