by Georgina Maka’a

Recognized as the most thriving Ports Authority in the South Pacific, Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) has achieved another significant milestone when it commissioned its multi-million dollar world-class passenger terminal in Honiara today – the largest of its kind in the region.

Constructed for two and half years, the first ever passenger terminal built in the country  is fully funded, built  and designed by SIPA.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the commissioning of the seaport terminal is a  symbol of progress and a tangible manifestation of Solomon Islands’ collective ambition and milestone that will forever change the way we connect with each other and the world around us.

“This is a moment that every Solomon Islander should cherish, as it marks a significant step forward in our nation’s growth and development,” Manele said.

_{SIPA CEO Eranda Kotelawala leads Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and his delegation on a tour of the new Seaport terminal}

Manele also acknowledged Solomon Ports for its capabilities and visions as a beacon of hope, a symbol of our ability to create our own future and a vivid reminder of the importance of believing in our potential.

“When we look at the grand scale of this achievement, we realize just how far we’ve come from modest beginnings to now having the capability to execute such a world-class infrastructure project.

“This terminal represents the bold and ambitious strides we are making in our journey towards progress.” 

^{SIPA CEO Mr. Kotelawa (L), PS Communication Aviation Moses Virivolomo, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele (C), Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare, and Deputy PM Bradley Tovosia cut the ribbon to officially open the new seaport terminal.”}

SIPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Eranda Kotelawala, says the completion of the terminal is a Christmas gift to the people of Solomon Islands.

He explained the public can access the terminal free of charge to wait for their transport, adding there will be commercial shops in the terminal that will sell products and items to the public at low cost.

“There won’t be any charge for anybody coming into the building; they can sit down for free,” Kotewala said.

He said two cafés in the terminal will sell their goods and drinks at affordable and reasonable prices.

“Few shops will operate in the terminal for passengers to buy anything they like before traveling to their provinces.

“This building is going to be a self-sustainable building because the money generated from the commercial businesses using the rooms in the terminal will go towards the maintenance of the building.”

 Kotelawala also acknowledged the team behind completing the building, which he said is built to Australian and New Zealand standards.

“I’m a strong believer in teamwork, and as I always say, teamwork can make big dreams come true, and that’s the reality of my team at SIPA for the last 7 to 8 years, and things that we actually think are impossible we made possible.”

The terminal was designed to be cyclone-resistant up to Category 4 and cost just over $100 million.