CONSTRUCTION work on the Japanese Government funded project for improvement of the Honiara International Seaport Facility is set to begin following its ground breaking ceremony on Friday.
The event was officiated by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and the Japanese ambassador to Solomon Islands, Kenichi Kimiya.
The project entails the expansion of the current seaport facility and the construction of the second international wharf which will transform the Honiara Port into one of the largest port hub in the Pacific region.
Speaking at the occasion, Prime Minister Sogavare described the occasion as a memorable one for him as it was the first ground breaking ceremony he officiated since his re-election as Prime Minister last December and the launching of his Democratic Coalition for Change Government Policy Framework, which also centres on improvement and rehabilitation of urban and rural infrastructures.
“We are going beyond business as usual. We are berthing for change, a tangible change for the betterment of our society. This ground-breaking ceremony indicates a growing economy,” Mr Sogavare said.
He said his Government is committed to working with all stakeholders including development partners to build a stronger Solomon Islands that is able to provide better services to its citizens.
Mr Sogavare added the increasing level of assistance by Japan to the Transport Sector and its other assistance through the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) is a manifestation of the strength of partnership between Solomon Islands and Japan.
Prime Minister Sogavare said development of transport infrastructure is crucial for economic growth and therefore the DCC Government will continue to work with the Government of Japan and other donor communities and development partners to ensure Solomon Islands transport infrastructure is boosted.
Ambassador Kimiya said the Japanese Government approved a grant of about SBD$190 million for this construction phase.
He said the ‘whole’ project is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2016 along with the Kukum Highway Expansion Project.
The highway expansion project will also see the construction of two new bridges over the Mataniko River.
The ambassador added:
“On behalf of the Government of Japan and its people, I am very happy to be given a chance to cooperate with the Government of Solomon Islands on such a strategically important project.”
Official guests at the ceremony included the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade Milner Tozaka, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Festus Sofu, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Beraki Jino and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Moses Virivolomo.
