by Georgina Maka’a
Central Province has unveiled an ambitious development agenda for the next two years – highlighting major gains in tourism, fisheries, infrastructure and international partnerships while calling for greater national support to drive the province’s economic growth.
Speaking during the province’s Second Appointed Day celebrations in Tulagi this week, Premier Kenneth Sagupari said his government is laying the foundation for a stronger provincial economy centred on tourism, fisheries and agriculture.
Among the key achievements, he announced the opening of Double Island Resort and Raiders Hotel, saying both projects were made possible with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
He also revealed that the Tulagi Museum is nearing completion, with half of its exhibitions already installed, while work on the Tulagi World War II Historical Trails is scheduled to begin later this month.
“I invite everyone to come for the opening of our museum and historical trails,” Sagupari said.
The premier said the province is also expanding its fisheries sector through the Yadina Fisheries Support Programme, marine management areas and seaweed farming projects in Russell and Gela.
He further announced that Japan will donate a fisheries patrol vessel to support marine surveillance, fish aggregating device (FAD) deployment, research and marine resource protection.
Sagupari also revealed his government had approved master plans for the Hakama Economic Transformation Hub and Pavuvu Mini Township, describing them as future drivers of economic growth.
He welcomed the release of SBD$12 million in Provincial Capacity Development Funds that had been outstanding since 2023, saying the first SBD$6 million payment would be made shortly.
The Premier said 42 capital projects had been approved under this year’s provincial budget, while work on the long-awaited Tulagi Ring Road would begin soon following the signing of construction contracts.
In health and education, he announced that 26 schools in Gela and Savo had received new water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities through Australian support, with Savo expected to become the country’s first island to achieve “no open defecation” status.
Sagupari also announced that Central Province had signed a Relationship of Intent with Hubei Province in China to strengthen cooperation in education, health, agriculture and technical training.
“This is diplomacy at the provincial level, opening new doors for our people,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Premier urged the National Government to support key tourism projects, including reopening Anuha Island Resort, upgrading Anuha and Yadina airstrips, constructing an airport at Belulu, and purchasing a fast ferry to support a proposed Central Tourism Hub.
He also called for progress on stalled geothermal studies on Savo Island, resolution of the long-running RIPEL issue in the Russell Islands, and the return of alienated land to the province to support future development.
“These achievements show that when we work together, Central Province delivers,” Sagupari said.
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