Avuavu Airport in South Guadalcanal is for a major upgrade and rehabilitating work which will commence this month.
The project valued at SBD$8, 767, 031.00 is funded by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) as part of its ongoing commitment to upgrade all airports nation-wide.
The contract will be implemented by Sustainable Resources Management Limited (SRML), a civil work firm owned by a private businessman John Saki who is the Director.
The maintenance and rehabilitation work is expected to be completed by August or after eight (8) months of work.
The airport was closed for nearly 19 years.
As part of a cultural obligation before heavy machines arrive to allow work to commence, a chupu ceremony was organised in Avuavu on Tuesday 6th January 2025 where cultural food and mixed goods were exchanged.
It was attended and witnessed by SRML representatives, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) Engineers, community chiefs, leaders, elders, mothers, youths, children and community as a whole.
Speaking to the Solomon Star on Wednesday, Desmond Sese the project engineer involved in the contract, expressed confident in the timely completion of the project.
As a former contracted project engineer for Fair Trade Company Limited, Mr Sese was instrumental in the upgrade and delivery of Ramata Airport in North New Georgia, Western Province.
Now, he is being engaged by SRML as the project engineer in charge of this vital project.
“I see no reason why Avuavu airport upgrade work cannot be delivered on time.
“We hope to see Avuavu airport completed by April and to see it up and running by June,” he said.
He added, this by far is the biggest SIG project by value to be delivered for airport infrastructures in Guadalcanal.
“I am so proud to be involved. Guadalcanal has three [3] previously operating airport in Avuavu, Marau and Babanakira but all closed.
Although located in East Guadalcanal constituency it is located right in the border of East Guadalcanal and South Guadalcanal constituency and will serve both east and mostly South Guadalcanal people.
“A road in place will boost the airports activity,” he concluded, adding this project is a new years present for the people of Avuavu and South Guadalcanal in a form of an airport.
The project once completed will boost connectivity and other activities in that region.
