The Santa Cruz Airport upgrade is expected to strengthen connectivity, improve access to essential services and expand economic opportunities for remote communities across Temotu Province.
Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Frederick Kologeto said the airport project represents an important investment in connectivity, public safety, economic opportunity and access to essential services.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony of the Airport Runway and Terminal Project recently, Mr Kologeto said strengthening aviation infrastructure would help connect remote communities with the rest of Solomon Islands.
“Improved air transport infrastructure is important in creating better opportunities for trade, tourism, health services and social development,” he said.
The Acting Prime Minister highlighted that a safe, reliable and efficient airport was fundamental to the development of island communities, particularly in improving the reliability of air transport services.
He also said the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport would help position the province as an important gateway for regional cooperation, trade and economic development.
“The development also provides an important foundation for strengthening connectivity and economic cooperation between Temotu Province and Vanuatu’s Torba Province under the Mota Lava Treaty,” he said.
Mr Kologeto said improved connectivity has the potential to facilitate cross-border trade, encourage the movement of people and goods, promote tourism and strengthen longstanding relationships between neighbouring island communities.
He emphasised that investing in Santa Cruz Airport was also an investment in regional integration, expanding economic opportunities and bringing island communities closer together.
The Acting Prime Minister further reminded government agencies, service providers and local communities that protecting and maintaining public infrastructure was a shared responsibility.
He called for collective cooperation to ensure public assets remain safe, clean and functional for the benefit of communities.
