WORK on the multi-million-dollar seaport terminal complex at Point Cruz, Honiara, is making progress ahead of its grand opening at the end of the year.
In a statement last weekend, Solomon Ports released an aerial image of the project since its initial construction early last year.
The new complex is located in the Point Cruz wharf vicinity.
“We’re thrilled to share the progress on the construction of our new domestic terminal building at Honiara Port!
“Anticipated to be completed before the year’s end, this state-of-the-art terminal is set to revolutionize your travel experience,” the statement said.
Solomon Ports said this project, once completed, will change the traveling experience of many people using the country’s main seaport in Honiara when departing and arriving by inter-island passenger vessels.
“At Solomon Ports, we’re dedicated to improving your travel experience. The new domestic terminal is a testament to our ongoing commitment to excellence,” the statement added.
Solomon Star understands this Domestic Terminal Building will be the first of its kind in the country.
It is constructed through an investment of 125 million dollars according to Solomon Ports.
It is a three-storey building consisting of sitting areas, cafeteria and restaurant, office spaces and a shopping area.
Work is now underway on the building structures and other interior sections. Bad weather has affected the project implementation progress.
Ports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eranda Kotelawala, at the launch of the project more than a year ago, said the project is part of the SOE’s effort to transform the international and domestic Port in Honiara.
“This is another significant achievement for Ports in terms of transforming the entire domestic and international Port of Honiara.
“We have two ports of entries into Solomon Islands and being a shipping nation for over 100 years now and Ports inception for almost 66 years now, the absence of a domestic terminal all these years is a missing link in our development.
“That is one of the reasons why we decided to construct a new domestic terminal in Honiara as the first in the Solomon Islands.
“All this time, we never had a shelter during rain or sun. So, this new terminal is a fulfillment of that missing link and serving the passengers and shipping operators going forward,” Mr Kotelawala said.
By MOFFAT MAMU
