CHAIRMAN of the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the Pacific Games 2023, Dr. Jimmy Rodger reveals that as new hosts for the Pacific Games, the development of facilities is ahead of schedule.
Dr. Rodgers revealed this during the recent official handing over of the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Academy to the NHA over the weekend.
Despite the challenges faced by the ongoing Covid-19 Pandemic, work on the sports facilities is well ahead compared to that of other Pacific Island countries who were first-timers to host the Games.
The NHA is working really hard to deliver one of the best Pacific Games ever and they are committed to delivering its goal, one of its main goals is to prove that the Solomon Islands can deliver one of the best Pacific Games ever as new hosts.
Dr. Rodgers highlighted 2016 is a historic year when both partisan Governments went over to Vanuatu to bid for the hosting of the Pacific Games 2023 and won by one vote.
He described it as a historic achievement because the Pacific Games is usually being hosted by previous hosts because they have seen what they can do, whereas it is risky giving it to new hosts.
“The spirit is to show the Pacific region that the Solomon Islands can do it and this is why we are moving reasonably quickly.
“Already if we compare with previous new hosts, we are slightly ahead of them so we are very confident that we will deliver the Games in time.
“In terms of where we are with facilities, we have secured around 90 percent for planning and funding,” he said.
Indonesia has already started the first-ever international futsal facility in the country which is scheduled to be completed next year.
This will give at least a year and a half to prepare and finesse our futsal skills before the Games, he said.
Work on the main sports stadium will kick off this year once the proposed area for construction is cleared.
Dr. Rodgers made the assurance that the Government, as well as the Opposition, is very supportive in the preparation for the Games.
Meanwhile, the NHA Chairman revealed what is now called the ‘Sports City’ the area in which most sports facilities for the Pacific Games will be situated.
“From the old Telekom Recreational area to the old Taiwanese Farm is now named as the Sports City
“This is because the bulk of most of the Pacific Games facilities will be situated within that area,” he added.
The estimated amount to deliver the Games is around $SBD2Billion Dollars and the Government’s commitment is half a billion
The rest of the money is from donors.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
Newsroom, Honiara
