THE Ministry of Communication and Aviation has released tenders to rehabilitate airstrips at Atoifi in Malaita Province and AvuAvu on East Guadalcanal.
Minister Fredrick Kologeto confirmed this in Parliament last week in response to a question from Leader of the Independent Group, Manasseh Maelanga.
Maelanga also asked about the status of Babanikira Airstrip on the Weathercoast of Guadalcanal, following complaints from a local chief that sick patients struggle to travel to Honiara due to rough seas and poor road conditions.
Minister Kologeto said Babanikira Airstrip remains on the Ministry’s radar but stressed that the government must be fair in distributing projects across all provinces.
He said the government plans to rehabilitate one airstrip each in Malaita, AvuAvu, Vanikoro in Temotu Province, and the Malaita Outer Islands.
Maelanga urged the Minister to fast-track works at Atoifi and AvuAvu, noting that both airstrips serve communities near hospitals and health centres.
Meanwhile, Minister Kologeto said it is government policy to purchase airstrips outright so that donors can assist with their development, as donors are unable to fund infrastructure on customary land.
He cited the case of Kirakira Airport—formerly known as Ngoragora—where disputes among landowners have affected development. While landowners agreed on the two ends of the runway, several groups continue to claim ownership of the middle section.
Kologeto said such issues can be addressed through the government’s land reform policy. He added that one way to assist landowners is by supporting them in airstrip maintenance and promoting small business activities around these facilities.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
