PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Monday opened the new office headquarters of the Government’s Information, Communication and Technology Support Unit (ICTSU) and its project initiatives achievements package.
“We are witnessing the official launch of this magnificent office building, the Government Data Centre, ICT Technical Training and Learning labs and the ICT Five Year Strategic Plan,” Sogavare said in his remarks.
Taken together with the new infrastructure developments, received through the kind assistance from the people and government of Australia, Sogavare acknowledged the occasion as a “very significant milestone achievement for our nation to celebrate”.
“We celebrate not only what we can see with our eyes but the foresight and vision for this plan and the efforts of so many who put in their best to make this day possible,” he stated.
Sogavare also took the opportunity to acknowledge Director Smith Iniakwala and his ICTSU team and their advisers, counterparts, and supporters for their work resulting in the launch.
He further acknowledged Australia’s DFAT team and other development partners, government ministries for their contribution leading to the launching.
“The work of many hands has resulted in this beautiful event and to you all, on behalf of the people of the Solomon Islands and my government I say, tagio tumas lo ufala,” he stated.
“There are also many challenges and risks ahead of us but as the ICTSU has shown us today, for example with their ICT Five-Year Strategic Plan, we have the facilities and some good plans to follow,” the prime minister said.
Sogavare acknowledged the need for continued training and staff empowerment for the ICTSU staff.
“My government in partnership with our friend Australia and other development partners intend to give our very best to that,” he said.
The occasion was also attended by the Minister for Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma, Minister for the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Anthony Veke, Minister for the Ministry of Public Service Frederick Koloqeto, the Australian High Commissioner Dr. Lachlan Strahan and other senior officials from the government, development partners and the private sector.
