CCECC rules out any political clout in being awarded the LMCP project to build port facilities in Solomon Islands amidst regional media reports of the possible exploitation of these facilities by China to provide access for its navy into the region
THE decision to award the Land and Marine Connectivity Project (LMCP) Port Package contract to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) was based on the company meeting the bid requirements and not subject to political influence from the People’s Republic of China.
CCECC in a statement clarified this following news articles from various media outlets in the Pacific region alleging that Solomon Islands’ wharves could be exploited by China as “dual purpose” facilities which could allow its navy to gain access into the region.
Recently, after CCECC was awarded the contract, ABC News reported the Samoan Prime Minister warning that China is not the only outside power looking to increase its presence in the Pacific. The article was also republished by Solomon Star.
Another article “China firm obtains Solomon Islands port bid, US monitors closely” was published on the Ports Technology International website and was republished by Island Sun.
These two articles alleged Solomon Islands’ wharves could be exploited by China as “dual purpose” facilities which could allow the Chinese navy to gain access into the Pacific region.
But CCECC, in statement, said it is an independent corporate entity with its own business vision, corporate policy and fiscal autonomy.
“The decision to award the LMCP-Port Package contract to CCECC was made on technical, contractual, and legal basis and not subject to any political or strategic clout from the PRC.
“The LMCP-Ports project was a global open tender and any company interested and meeting the tender requirements could participate,” the statement said.
It further clarified that during the initial bidding process, more than 20 companies from different countries participated in the bidding conference and downloaded the bid documents from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s website.
“These companies come from Solomon Islands and other countries such as Japan, China, Fiji and Australia. There were two companies from Australia. CCECC is just one of those prospective bidders.
“CCECC has a proven track record of successfully completing projects in the island countries of the South Pacific Region,’’ the statement said.
The LMCP-Port Package contract in Solomon Islands awarded to CCECC was based on its technical expertise and competitive bid.
The contract was signed on 20 March 2023 between CCECC and the Solomon Islands Government through its project Implementing Agencies – the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
The LMCP-Port Package contract awarded to CCECC by Solomon Islands Government was done through fair and equitable procedures, with CCECC winning the bid through its compliant Technical and Financial bid.
CCECC participated in the bidding process just like the other international bidders and its track record and expertise in engineering and construction were taken into consideration.
Shortage of infrastructure is the biggest challenge in Solomon Islands. The current old Honiara port was built in 1983 and 1988. It is quite old, environmentally poor and poses safety risks with low berthing capacity.
“CCECC is committed to improving the infrastructure of Solomon Islands and supporting the government’s efforts to boost economic development and sustainability.
“The successful completion of the LMCP-Port Package Project will undoubtedly contribute to the country’s economic growth and social development after decades of dereliction.
“Therefore, CCECC would like to assure all concerned parties, especially the peace-loving people from all public, private, and government sectors of the Solomon Islands, that CCECC will execute the contract on the purpose of benefits of the nation and the people, also, CCECC remains committed to fulfilling the terms of the LMCP-Port Package contract to the high standards,” the statement said.
BY CHARLES KADAMANA
