BY LYNNISSHA RUNA – SUNDAY ISLES FREELANCER
THE people and the Government of the Solomon Islandshave taken pride and ownership at the official handing over ceremony of the newly completed International Departure Terminal Building at the Honiara International Airport on March 15, 2023.
The handing over of the SBD 470 million (4 billion, 929, 000, 000 million Japanese Yen) new terminal building by the people of Japan through the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in coordination with Kitano Construction Corp is a historic day in the Solomon Islands aviation and tourism sectors as it will contribute to the country’s overall development and prosperity in the long run.
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the timing to complete the project was delayed. Speaking as the special guest of honor, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said that he’s truly humble to receive this gift from the people and Government of Japan on behalf of the people and the Government of Solomon Islands.
“Let me thank the people of Japan and their government who were represented here today by Japan’s Ambassador H.E. Miwa Yoshiaki. I also extend my gratitude to JICA representatives who work so hard to deliver this modern Infrastructure.
“Please Ambassador, relay our Government’s sincere thanks to the government and people of Japan for this great assistance,” the Prime Minister said.
Japan’s Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Miwa Yoshiaki also expressed confidence about the newly completed airport building in his remarks.
“I believe the newly completed International Departure Terminal Building will play a vital role in the economic development of the Solomon Islands and the Asia Pacific Region. And I also believe this New Airport will receive many athletes of the region at the time of Pacific Games 2023, foreign tourists and investors into the country,” H.E. Miwa Yoshiaki said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the Guadalcanal Province and the Land Owning tribes of Tandai, Gaobata, and Malango/Baomea for allowing their land to host this major development.
“Our Vision can’t be realized with this New Airport. This will enable our traveling public to have access to modernize Air Facilities, Improves Safety, Facilitate trade and Business, and of course Tourism.
“The accomplished project will improve air traffic, bringing into the country new direct investment possibilities and business opportunities,” he said.
Sogavare further acknowledged the Minister for Aviation and Communication Hon. Peter Shanel Agovaka, his permanent secretary, Mr. Moses Virivolomo, and their staff for the valued input that they positioned into the implementation of the project.
He further thanked the Consortium of Gyros Corporation, Ehira Architects & Engineers, Oriental Consultants Global Co Ltd, Kitano Construction of Japan, and their local counterparts like the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI), and staff of the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation for working with MCA to manage the Airport operation to its completion.
