Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is yet to receive any formal request from the relevant authorities regarding the intentions to use the playing grounds at King George VI and Panatina for the 2023 games.
Permanent Secretary (PS) to MEHRD Dr. Franco Roddie revealed this to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) when the question regarding the school properties intended for games was asked.
Solomon Islands won the bid to host the 2023 South Pacific Games (SPG) thus preparation of sites and sport facilities is currently a priority that government is looking at.
King George VI play ground and Panatina field were earmarked for the sites to be upgraded for the games.
But PS said ministry have not received any formal request or communication to go into dialogue with relevant authorities, but agree that the idea is most welcome as it will improve the infrastructures of the school.
He said both KGVI and Panatina were on the radar and more likely KGVI would be used for accommodations, adding the benefits from the spin-off in infrastructure development will helps a lot for the school.
Furthermore, PS said the development of the USP fourth campus is progressing as things are looking good.
He said demolition and relocation of staff houses at KGVI are underway and a new road to be constructed there is in the plan as well.
PS also revealed that ministry has came up with a policy to reclaim staff houses used by teachers at KGVI and Panatina campus, after realising that occupants of those building were not working for the school.
He said they later learned that those occupying the houses were renting to staff of the school.
PS went on to say that the issue of illegal settlers in the school area is a sensitive issue which the ministry is attempting to take a peaceful approach to deal with.
Meanwhile, Chairman of PAC Rick Hou encourage PS to continue do the right thing on the illegal settlers and once there is a need for evictions then it has to go.
By AATAI JOHN
