The Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has commended the New Zealand (NZ) government for its prompt positive response for the provision of the new Bailey bridge to replace the old Mataniko bridge.
He was speaking during the official opening of the new Bailey bridge on Friday.
PM Lilo said that the government of Solomon Islands and its people expressed sincere appreciation to the NZ government for the provision of the new bailey bridge.
“This is a significant contribution from one of the Solomon Islands’ development partners.
“I understand it costs SBD$8.8m to reconnect the bridge and a little three weeks to execute the job.
“The opening of this bridge will not only ease traffic but allow easy access of pedestrian to and from Chinatown,” he said.
He added that NZ support to reconnect the Mataniko bridge, though an emergency project is part of their ongoing engagement in the infrastructure sector.
Acting New Zealand High commissioner Mike Ketchen said that as a long-time friend and partner of Solomon Islands, it was a pleasure to be able to assist a friend in a time of need.
“We are committed to working with the government to see tangible improvements to the lives of Solomon Islanders and see our contributions to the flood response and recovery efforts clearly as part of this commitment.
“The Solomon Islands Government in partnership with New Zealand and other stakeholders are working to honour the memories of those that lost their lives and the construction of this bridge to be seen in that light,” Mr Ketchen said.
Ketchen also thanked contractors for having put the bridge in place.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO