THE construction of a new cruise jetty worth $300, 000 at the Western Provincial Capital of Gizo, is well underway, marking a significant step in enhancing the region’s tourism infrastructure.
The project, which was announced in late June, is currently in its first phase and is expected to be completed by December.
The project gained momentum following a public awareness session conducted two months ago by officers from the Western Provincial Government’s (WPG) Provincial Planning Division, during which details were shared with the community.
Approval for the project came after a budget meeting of the Western Provincial Government at which all Members of the Provincial Assembly (MPAs) from the province’s 26 wards unanimously supported it.
With an estimated cost of $300,000 SBD, the project is funded by the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) and supported by the World Bank through the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience (IEDCR) Project.
This financial backing highlights the project’s significance in bolstering Gizo’s status as a key tourism destination in the Western Province and Solomon Islands as a whole.
Local contractor Sam Galo, who won the bid for the Gizo Cruise Jetty Project, told Solomon Star in an interview on Monday that the first phase of construction is now underway.
“We are now focusing on constructing the wharf’s concrete beams, slabs, and compacting stones,” Mr Galo said.
The second phase will involve the precast process and laying of cement along with other critical tasks.
Mr Galo said some of the required materials, unavailable locally, will be sourced from Australia.
He estimated that the project would take up to six months to complete, although this timeline could be affected by weather conditions.
“The jetty has been designed with accessibility in mind, particularly for tourists with disabilities.
“The jetty will include a ramp, allowing smaller boats and ferries to shore and berth, making it more accommodating for disabled tourists,” Mr Galo explained.
In addition to the technical aspects, Mr Galo emphasized the project’s positive impact on local employment.
He recruited 16 local workers, many of whom were previously employed under the Community Access Urban Strengthening and Enhancement (CAUSE) project.
“I want to give local workers, especially those unemployed, an opportunity to earn an income. I’m glad they are working hard on this project,” Mr Galo said.
Once completed, the new cruise jetty is expected to bring long-term economic benefits to the province by attracting more cruise ships and tourists to the region, further boosting Gizo’s appeal as a premier tourist destination in the Solomon Islands, he added.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
