SIPA MARKS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT WITH THE OPENING OF NEW MODERN FACILITIES.
Solomon Ports today marked major achievement, with the opening a New ‘International Terminal Entry overhead Gatehouse’, New Harbors and Enforcement building, Groundbreaking of the new Domestic Terminal Building, and Unveiling of proposed SIPA ‘Kukum Plaza’.
This is yet another major step in the development of the Port, and the improvement of service delivery to Port users and the people of Solomon Islands.
The Guest of honor for the event today was the Honorable Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare , joined by Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, Honiara City Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu, heads of the diplomatic missions , Paramount Chief of the Tandai House of Chiefs, Chief Peter Saghelivera, Shipping operators and agents, and the SIPA staff.
The day started with the groundbreaking ceremony of the new Domestic terminal site, where the Prime Minister was joined by SIPA CEO Mr.Eranda Kotelawala, and SIPA Board Chairman, Mr. Johnny Syy, in officially commencing the construction of the new domestic terminal building.
The new Domestic Terminal will be a three storied building, where it will contain ticketing offices, office space, cafeterias, shopping areas, and other new features to reduce inconvenience for people travelling via vessels out into the islands and provinces.
Prime Minister Sogavare was then invited and proceeded to also commission the new modern ‘Overhead Entry Gatehouse’ to the international terminal, where he was also given a tour inside the new facility to witness its new features and meet staff who will be manning the entry of container trucks accessing the international terminal daily.
The new ‘Overhead Entry Gatehouse’ Costs SBD$4 million to complete and was completely self-funded by Solomon Ports. Its Main Purpose is to reduce the congestion of container trucks accessing the International Port Container terminal daily, where now two vehicles can enter at once, thus Reducing delays, further Streamline and enhance port operations.
Prime Minister then concluded his tour around the port by also commissioning the new ‘Harbors and Enforcement’ Building, a new state of the art three storied building complex to house the Port’s Habours team, and Enforcement officers. The building also contains a modern clinic which will be used to facilitate the medical needs of SIPA staff and their families. The building costs SBD$ 9 million and was fully funded by SIPA.
He then proceeded to Unity Square to also unveil the plan and design of the proposed SIPA ‘Kukum Plaza’, which is a 5 storied commercial building complex that will be built at SIPA’s Kukum area.
Speaking during his keynote speech, Prime Minister Sogavare said it was good to see State Owned Entities investing in projects for the betterment of the people, and that SIPA is leading the way in this regard.
“Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the board, management, and staff of Solomon Ports for your efforts, sacrifices and commitment in bringing SIPA to where it is today, “he said.
“What you have done is an admirable demonstration of teamwork, and this is the spirit that we need in our institutions, and country.”
Prime Minister Sogavare also took the time to commend SIPA’s Enforcement team in ensuring the ports bylaws are followed and in keeping the port clean and safe.