BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Guadalcanal provincial government is working closely with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) to reopen Avuavu airstrip in the weather coast region of the province.

Premier of Guadalcanal province, William Atu confirmed this in his official address to mark Guadalcanal’s recent Second Appointed Day celebrations.

“I would like to place on record as well that the provincial government is in close collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation to reopen Avuavu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan.

“We are currently engaging with landowning tribes to finalise the land extensions with construction expected to commence by the end of this year,” he said.

Atu stated that this initiative will play a vital role in boosting rural development within the region particularly in agriculture, tourism and health services.

He said Solomon airlines are operating with a big aeroplane and the airstrip needs extension.

Atu stated the airstrip needs more than 500 metres extension to accommodate all aeroplanes.

He added that his government also acknowledges other key airstrips in the province, and calls on respective landowners to work with the provincial government to resolve outstanding land issues. 

“These locations have untapped economic hubs and their reopening should be a priority for the national government as well.

“We firmly believe that rural areas hold immense sustainable economic potentials and a collaborative approach is essential to unlock these opportunities for the benefit of our people,” Atu said.

According to the premier, the province has three airstrips and all of them are closed at the moment.

“As a Premier, I would like to appeal to everyone especially land owners to open back our airstrips to boost development in rural areas,” he said.

Atu said these airstrips are essential infrastructure that can contribute a lot to development in the province.

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