This comes as Solomons Oceanic Cable Company – (SOCC) plans to implement the project in July this year.
The project aims to link
Solomon Islands to the rest of the world through an undersea fibre cable
running between Sydney and Guam.
The cable will be pulled
across to Auki, Malaita and Noro, Western province, for a start because 75
percent of people living in rural areas come from both provinces.
Mr Suibaea said
communication is one of the three key priorities in his Government’s policy
beside road infrastructure and energy.
He said cable project will
make a big impact on the lives of his people because it will boost economic
development activities and education.
“My people will have access
to information to participate in economic activities and education as well,” he
said.
He said for roads, his
Government wants to see it connect around the island so that people can have
access to markets to sell their primary products.
“The roads are improving
but we want to see it tar-sealed to avoid regular maintenance,” he said.
Premier Suibaea said on
energy, his government is working with the Israeli Government to introduce
renewable energy like solar.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Rick Hou signed the agreement with Asian Development Bank (ADB) and SOCC in Honiara last November to make the project possible.
Mr Hou said the project will boost economic activities in Solomon Islands.
He said the project is vital and that the Government is throwing its full support because of the substantial benefits it will fetch.
“Telecommunication costs should substantially reduce and internet connections improved,” he said.
The total cost of the Submarine Cable System project is expected to be around $420 million (USD$60 million).
Other contributions come from SOCC co-owned by Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) and Solomon Telekom Ltd (STL).
By Eddie Osifelo
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