Residents of Munda in Western Province are polishing up final touches to their preparation work to welcome the arrival of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders on Thursday morning.
The PIF leaders are expected to travel from Honiara to Munda early tomorrow morning for their overnight retreat.
Although the leaders’ stopover in Munda will last less than an hour, the local community is excited and determined to showcase their pride as hosts of the international airport.
Speaking to the Solomon Star, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 15, Hon. Palin Veo said, despite the short notice, residents are doing their best to give the leaders a warm welcome.
“Its a late preparation, but we are working hard to clean and prepare Munda town to receive the PIF delegation,” Hon. Veo said.
He added although the community expects some assistance from the national government, no response has been forthcoming.
“However, we do not really insist to work along those lines as Munda is used to host major events with the limited resource as and preparation.”
In line with the preparations, the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIAC) and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have announced that all crossroads around Munda will be closed until all flights arrive.
Access doors near Kekehe village will be closed for the entire duration of the PIF Retreat and leaders movements between Munda and Noro.
The perimeter fencing door outlets will open for public access on Friday afternoon.
This is a historic event for Munda and Noro to jointly host. The public is excited and eagerly wait to welcome the guests.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
