The GREAT Coalition says it will deliver a new official residence for the prime minister before the nation celebrates its 50th independence anniversary in 2028.
Minister for Infrastructure Development Ricky Fuo’o told Parliament that work on the long-awaited national project has entered the design phase, with the Government targeting completion before the country’s golden jubilee celebrations.
“My Ministry, together with the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Programme (SIIP), is implementing the construction of the new Prime Minister’s Official Residence,” Fuo’o said.
It’s understood Australia is funding the project at a cost yet to be disclosed.
The project has been under discussion for almost two decades, dating back to around 2008.
Since then, successive governments have continued to rely on privately rented properties to accommodate serving prime ministers due to the absence of a permanent official residence.
The old residence, known as the Red House, located at Vavya Ridge in central Honiara, has run down, and was never repaired. It’s not clear at this stage where the new residence will be built.
Fuo’o said the recruitment of the lead design consultants for the project has now been completed.
The consultants, he added, arrived in Solomon Islands last month to begin the design phase.
At the same time, the Ministry has invited Expressions of Interest (EOI) from national and international construction companies interested in undertaking the building works.
According to the Ministry, the new residence is intended to be more than just accommodation for the country’s head of government, but a nationally significant facility that reflects Solomon Islands’ sovereignty, cultural identity and resilience while supporting governance and diplomatic engagement.
The project is expected to provide a permanent venue for official engagements, including hosting visiting dignitaries and strengthening the country’s capacity to conduct state and diplomatic functions.
Minister Fuo’o said the ministry will continue working with its development partners to deliver infrastructure projects that provide long-term benefits for Solomon Islands.
