A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to reopen Avuavu airstrip in East Guadalcanal was signed by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with Guadalcanal Province Government (GPG) and Landowner tribes, at the province’s headquarter chamber this week.
The MOU is to enable MCA to carry out the rehabilitation and expansion of the airstrip to meet current aviation standards and requirements.
Permanent Secretary (PS) of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, in his remarks, said the signing of the MOU is witnessing the mechanism for cooperation participation.
“The signing today is a way forward to ensure government policy does not remain on papers or are not sweet words that we speak but something that we feel, something that we experience in our daily lives,” Danitofea said.
He said the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy is a transformative one that emphasizes unity and to be prosperity and more importantly to appreciate and work in line with cultural values in the way we live.
“Today is an example of a true partnership, true unity between the government, the provincial government and the landowners,” Danitofea said.
He acknowledge Guadalcanal Province (GP) for their support to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG)-particularly MCA, to ensure that this work is supported logistically.
He thanked the landowning group for welcoming officers of MCA on the ground, for the hospitality and kindness that was shown, to ensure that the ministry was able able to do their preliminary assessment on the airport which sets the basis for signing of the MOU.
He also thanked the office of the Prime Minister for their continuous support to ensure that the government priorities are delivered by the implementing agencies which is MCA, the Ministry of Finance for ensuring that funds are always available the work , the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Forestry and the Ministry of Agriculture for their support.
Premier of GP, William Atu expressed the signing of the MOU as a peace-building process.
“When we see people land on our airstrip, we meet them and welcome them, it is a great feeling. This is what we want to pass on to our next generation.
“This is also part of our development in terms of infrastructure,” Atu said.
Lawrence Balani, a representative of the Steering Committee, stated that for too long the people of East Guadalcanal have lived with limited access to essential transport infrastructure.
“The reopening of this airport will not only restore vital connectivity but will also open new doors for economic opportunities, access to health services, education, tourism and greater integration with the rest of the Solomon Islands.
“On behalf of the steering committee, I wish to sincerely acknowledge the Avuavu tribal groups for your leadership and goodwill in allowing this project to move forward.
“Your decision today reflects a commitment not only to your people but to future generations who will benefit from an airport that will stand as a gateway of development,” Balani said.
The Avuavu Airstrip was closed during the ethnic tensions and was previously a vital access point for communities in East Guadalcanal. Due to existing road connections between East Guadalcanal and Talise Ward in South Guadalcanal, the airstrip is expected to serve both regions, despite the road infrastructure remaining in poor condition.
According to PS Danitofea, confrimed that the budget for the Avuavu airstrip’s rehabilitation is already secured.
He also added that Avuavu is one of eight airstrips prioritized for rehabilitation across the country.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
