Upgrades Underway in Honiara to Host 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting

The government is actively preparing for the upcoming 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, scheduled for September. The focus is on enhancing the main meeting venue at Friendship Hall in East Honiara.

Since last week, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD), in collaboration with the National Organising Committee under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and National Sports Council (NSC), has engaged local contractors to upgrade the area surrounding the multi-purpose complex.

Key projects include levelling and sealing the approach road, constructing paved pathways to create an attractive landscape, and upgrading the road leading to Solomon Islands National University’s (SINU) Panatina Campus. Additional improvements involve upgrading the existing drainage system and enhancing parking facilities next to the hall that will accommodate the more than 1000 attendees expected at the meeting.

MID’s Electrical Unit, under the Architect and Building Management Services Division (ABMSD), is involved in scoping and supervising the electrical upgrades. This includes installing three-phase socket outlets at the main venue, the Aquatic Centre, and the Multi-Purpose Hall at the Eastern Sports precinct. The electrical team has also conducted assessments and verified costs for the installation of a permanent solar hybrid cooling system at the meeting venue, marking the government’s commitment to green energy principles.

The Land Transport Management Services Division (LTMSD) is assisting the organising committee by planning logistical support for the event. Buses and vehicle fleets reserved from the Pacific Games 2023 will be utilised, further boosted with the expected arrival of additional vehicles provided by development partners. Officers from various line ministries, agencies, and the private sector will also be engaged to bolster logistical support during the five-day event.

Furthermore, LTMSD will support the crucial services like the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) with vehicle repairs and maintenance, under the organising committee’s coordination and funding allocation.

Meanwhile, the contractor for the Land Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is working around the clock to seal the road section from Townground to Rove Outback, ensuring smooth transportation access for the more than 1,000 attendees expected at the meeting and overall road users of West Honiara.

Improvements works on the existing drainage system at Friendship Hall.

Contractors mobilized their resources and manpower to the site since last week and carried out the upgrades and into night hours.

A local contractor was engaged to conduct improvement works on enhancing the parking lot next to the hall.

MID’s electrical unit assist the organizing committee and NSC in assessments and verified costs for the installation of a permanent solar hybrid cooling system at the meeting venue.

Buses and vehicle fleets reserved after the Pacific Games 2023 will be utilized, further boosted with the expected arrival of additional brand new cars supported by development partners.

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