Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare yesterday participated in a ground-breaking ceremony in Seghe, Marovo, in Western Province to mark the beginning of upgrade works at the Seghe Airfield.
The ceremony was also attended by the High Commissioners of New Zealand and Australia, as well as the Minister of Communications and Aviation, senior officials, and members of the Western Provincial Government.
The upgrade works are part of the Solomon Islands Provincial Airfield Upgrade project, which is funded by the Governments of Solomon Islands, New Zealand, and Australia with a budget of SBD250m.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Australia and New Zealand High Commissioners, western province provincial MPA and Minister of Communication and Aviation at the Seghe Airfield upgrade groundbreaking ceremony
The project aims to seal the entire airstrip and install ground lighting to improve the reliability and safety of the Solomon Airlines Dash-8 aircraft landing at the airstrip. It will also enhance connectivity to the Western Province and improve tourist access to Marovo Lagoon.
The project has already completed the upgrade of the Choiseul Bay airfield in Choiseul Province, which will be handed over in the coming weeks.
Both airfield upgrades are being carried out by Downer New Zealand. The construction process involved the transportation of 80,000 tonnes of gravel from Honiara to Seghe and Taro over 22 barge trips in 2022. During the airfield upgrade at Seghe, Downer will employ around 30 local staff from the Seghe area.
Prime Minister Sogavare expressed his gratitude to the governments of New Zealand and Australia for their continuous support and looked forward to the improved travel experience once the two airports are completed.
“This initiative by the Solomon Islands Government is intended to increase economic benefits from tourism and trade.” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Schwass highlighted the support provided by New Zealand to the aviation sector, including the original upgrade of Munda Airport.
“It is a real pleasure to see work at Seghe underway – this is a critical destination for Western Province and I hope to see it boost the tourism sector here in the Marovo lagoon.” Schwass highlighted.
Australian High Commissioner Rod Hilton emphasized Australia’s commitment to working with its partners and the Solomon Islands community to deliver high-quality, locally-led infrastructure. He praised the utilization of a local workforce in the upgrades at Taro and Seghe airfields, which he believed was crucial for the sustainability of infrastructure in the Solomon Islands.
Prime Minister and officials visiting the Seghe Airfield Upgrade site
The Minister of Communications and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka, stated that the upgrade of Seghe Airport was a proud day for the Seghe landowners and communities around Marovo. He emphasized the government’s efforts in rural infrastructure development for improved access and connectivity.
Deputy Premier of the Western Province, Hon. Carlrick Harold Runimetu, expressed the provincial government’s eagerness to be a part of the national government’s development projects.
“The upgrade of Seghe Airport would enhance connectivity between Seghe, Munda, Gizo, and Honiara, particularly benefiting the tourism industry in the Marovo Lagoon.” Western Province Deputy Premier Carlrick said.
The work at Seghe Airfield is expected to be completed by June 2024.
(OPMC Press)
