Group photo of representatives of Helu Tribe with MCA Financial Controller Mr. Chris Saul Koako after additional signing of the MOU.
HELU TRIBE SUPPORTS RE-OPENING OF AVUAVU AIRSTRIP
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has further received additional landowning signing partner and collaborations from the Helu Tribe of East Guadalcanal Constituency for the reopening of Avuavu airstrip.
The signing took place at the Ministry of Communication and Aviation Office on Wednesday 29th of October 2025, marking yet another significant step forward in the Government’s vision to upgrade and reopen Avuavu airstrip.
This initiative was made possible following the original signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Guadalcanal Provincial Government and Landowning tribes held at the Chambers of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly in Honiara, on Wednesday 20th of August 2025 at the Guadalcanal Provincial Headquaters, Rita 11 Building, Bahai.
Speaking during the occasion of this MOU signing ceremony, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Chris Saul Koako, the Financial Controller (FC) of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation reiterated that it is the Government of National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy to reopen provincial airports throughout the country, hence, the re-opening of the Avuavu Airstrip is a priority of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation in realization and execution of the GNUT’s vision to upgrade and reopen existing Provincial Airstrips. He further emphasized the importance of the MOU inclusivity in bringing enthusiasms from people of Tasimauri (Live Sea) region – Birao in the far East of Guadalcanal to Malagheti in the far South of Guadalcanal.
FC Chris acknowledge the Helu tribe for declaring their pledge towards the rehabilitation project and stated that MCA recognizes and values their friendship and signing included in the original MOU to accomplish the reopening of Avuavu Airstrip.
“On behalf of the Permanent Secretary and MCA, I wish to sincerely acknowledge your Helu tribal groups for leadership and goodwill included in this project moving forward” Mr. Koako highlighted.
In response, the Spokesperson of the Helu Tribe, Mr. Jacob Matetabana reiterated the importance of the partnership, and assured the Helu Tribe is fully committed to working in partnership like other tribal groups with MCA to achieve the completion of the project.
“On few occasions we seek information from responsible authorities on the airport development, regardless, we’ve not informed or notified resulting in our tribal representatives not part of the initial MOU signing. Today, we are grateful and informed on the bold steps taken to reopen the airstrip. Helu Tribe looks forward to collaborate with other landowning tribes as we believe in this milestone project that will serve our people through opening up of new development opportunities and partnerships” Mr. Matetabana stated.
Mr. Chris Saul Koako confirmed that Tender for the Rehabilitation and Maintenances of Avuavu Airport has already been closed on Thursday 25th of September, 2025. The Technical Evaluation Committee report was completed and recommended to the Ministry’s Tender Board for its deliberation and endorsement. Currently, The Technical Evaluation Committee report is awaiting the Central Tender Board for its deliberations, approval and subsequently awarding of the successful contractor.
End//…