VICE Chancellor of University of the South Pacific (USP) Professor Rajesh Chandra has thanked the Asia Development Bank (ADB) for making it possible for USP to build its new campus in Honiara.
He was speaking during the ground breaking ceremony on Thursday.
ADB president Takehiko Nakao was present during the official program.
“We thank you for the support ADB, for making this project a possibility through a soft loan of US$15.4 million for the development of the new SI Campus, and US$1.5 million grant under ADB’s Clean Energy Financing Partnership Facility (CEFPF) for the construction of a solar panel photovoltaic system which will meet 75% of the energy needs at the new Campus,” Professor Chandra said.
He added through this project they have also increased their engagement with ADB and have recently signed a cooperation agreement to boost knowledge collaboration between the two organisations.
ADB president Takehiko Nakao said that ADB is happy to give USD$15.4 million concessional loan together with an ADB-administered grant of $1.5 million from its clean Energy Fund to finance the new campus.
He said this is yet another milestone of the USP and ADB’s long-term partnership in the pacific.
The USP Honiara campus will provide additional classrooms, an ICT studio, science laboratories as well as faculty and administrative facilities with a solar-powered system that will provide 75 percent of the energy needed by the campus.
This will enhance ICT-based education, improve student services, and help strengthen USP governance and management.
By LESLEY SANGA
