THE Australian Government through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) on Wednesday officially handed over the upgraded Aola wharf to the Solomon Islands Maritime Security Capability.
The upgrade work costs around $120million and was made possible through the longstanding partnership of the Australian Government with Solomon Islands through the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Force.
Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy officially handed over maritime infrastructure during at the official handing over ceremony.
He said, the project represents an investment of SBD 120m, and the upgrade will extend the life of the wharf for an additional thirty (30) years.
The Aola wharf will remain a critical asset for the people of the Solomon Islands for another generation.
Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Services Jimson Tanagada on behalf of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands expressed sincere gratitude for receiving the infrastructure.
He said, this ongoing commitment reflects the true relationship and friendship and growing partnership that our two countries have over many years.
Support from the Australian government also includes the patrol boats, technical advisors, small fleet maintenance and logistic support in maintenance and field.
“Throughout the past years since Solomon Islands received the first patrol boats in 1988, the DCP has directly enabled the RSIPF Marine Division to protect our nation’s sovereignty and security,” Minister Tanagada said.
He also reflected that patrol boats’ capability and capacity signifies the national pride that Solomon Islands has as a sovereign and maritime country.
The upgraded patrol boat wharf symbolises the capability to accommodate our patrol boats into the future for the next 30 years.
“This is very important considering the various challenges that we continue to grapple with like the continuing sea level rise and the constant change of weather patterns that may pose various risks to the safe docking of our patrol boats and also small police crafts,” he said.
He acknowledged the support of the Australian Government for the upgrading work that has now come to fruition today.
He affirmed that Solomon Islands has a security partnership that is vibrant and continues to bear positive security benefits to our country.
He added that the upgraded works will improve the capability of RSIPF to serve our nation, secure our borders and protect our people and resources.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
