THE United States of America (USA) is spending nearly SBD100 million in refurbishing its new Embassy premises in East Honiara, unconfirmed reports have said.
Officials from Washington DC were in Honiara earlier this month to hold further discussions with the owner of Panatina Plaza, where the new US Embassy would be located.
“Yes, the owner came over from Australia for the meeting. He left about a week ago,” those familiar with the rental arrangements for the premises told Solomon Star on the weekend.
While in Honiara, they also assessed the requirements of the Embassy which will occupy the ground floor of the west wing of the Plaza, they said.
“For example, they tested water quality in Honiara as well as the reliability of power supply in town,” one man said.
“As far as I know, they are spending USD12 million in refurbishing the entire ground floor premises on the west wing of the plaza. That’s equivalent to nearly SBD100 million,” the man said.
He said it is not clear when furniture and other office equipment would be moved into the new offices, let alone when the Embassy would be opened for business.
“Right now, not a single piece of furniture or equipment has been moved into the premises. It suggests that everything would be brought in from outside,” the man said.
In February this year, Solomon Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs & External Trade, Jeremiah Manele welcomed the announcement made by the U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, to re-establish the U.S Embassy in Honiara.
Secretary Blinken made the announcement during the US–Pacific Island Leaders’ Meeting in Fiji.
Foreign Minister Manele assured Secretary Blinken that the Solomon Islands Government stands ready to work with U.S diplomats to make this happen.
During the Fiji meeting, Minister Manele also used the opportunity to acknowledge the bilateral assistance provided by the US.
By Alfred Sasako
