Solomon Star News

Chairman of the preparation committee Gilbert Tabihau yesterday said the committee is currently working hard to make sure every is in place.

Mr Tabihau said beautification work at Kirakira Town has started off with extension and renovation of Kirakira Hospital.

“We have extended the hospital for a unit to be set aside for the visiting delegation who will be part of the conference.”

He said in terms of accommodation, seven rest houses were identified where work on preparing those accommodations had gone well.

He added that the provincial government mid this month will do an advance payment to accommodation owners to make sure all needed facilities are in place.

Mr Tabihau said in terms of services, tender has been put out and accepted applicants will be announced mid this month.

“These people will supply certain food, gifts and provide catering services.”

The chairmen stressed that two of the major challenges they have worked on to quickly sort out are the road project and water supply to the station.

He said tender for the road project closed on 30 last month thus work is expected to start anytime this month after award of contract is done.

“Once award of contract is done we will concentrate on building roads in the township and then from Kirakira station to the Airport.”

With the unreliable water supply to the station Mr Tabihau said the committee is looking at purchasing tanks for the chamber and for some of the identified accommodations.

Meanwhile the tradeshow committee is also preparing for the tradeshow program that will be held along side with the conference.

He said the proposed venue for the tradeshow is the Kirakira playground but finalisation for programs is yet to be done.

The chairman said the actual date for the conference is yet to be confirmed to them by the central coordinating committee of the Ministry of Provincial Government but they are confident to get themselves prepared before the event starts.

By Jennifer Kakai