PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has called on the public to respect and take care of the Munda International Airport as it is a national asset.
Speaking at the official handover of the accomplished upgraded Munda International Airport project funded by the World Bank, the Prime Minister echoed similar sentiments to those of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication & Aviation (MCA) Moses Virivolomo and Western Province Premier Billy Veo who emphasised the importance of taking care of the airport facilities.
The Prime Minister Sogavare said whilst Solomon Islands is good at receiving funded infrastructures, of often neglects maintaining them.
He urged the public to fulfil their responsibility in looking after the upgraded airport facilities and other projects funded by multilateral partners through the World Bank because the funding comes from the taxpayers of the countries that contributed to the international financial institution.
Prime Minister Sogavare cited the deteriorated state of the bridges in Honiara as an example of the country’s failure to properly care for donated infrastructures.
He expressed gratitude to the World Bank and stated that Solomon Islands Government will work closely with it to ensure the maintenance of all projects as a gesture of appreciation for their support towards the country’s development endeavours.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to thank hospitals, churches, businesses and landowners in Munda and Noro for their patience and understanding during the project implementation.
He emphasised that the new upgraded runway, overlay, taxiway, and international terminal will benefit everyone in the country.
The project was implemented by the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP) with a funding worth USD 23.06 million from the World Bank.
By LACHLAN EDDIE HOE
Solomon Star, Honiara
