BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, William Atu, says the reopening of airstrips across the province will reconnect communities and pave the way for greater development.

This follows a tender released by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) in September for the rehabilitation of Avu-Avu airstrip that has been closed for several years.

Speaking at the Turarana Cultural Centre during the 19th anniversary of the founder of the Gwaena’alu Association, formerly known as the Moro Movement, the late Chief Pelise Moro, Premier Atu expressed his delight over the progress.

“As Premier, I am very happy that the tender for the rehabilitation of the Avu-Avu airstrip has already closed, and we expect work to begin soon. This will enable air services to return to Avu-Avu,” he said.

Premier Atu also revealed that his government is working closely with relevant stakeholders to reopen the Babanakira airstrip.

“Just recently, we sent three of our provincial members to meet with landowners of Babanakira to discuss the reopening of the airstrip,” he said.

Alongside Avu-Avu and Babanakira, the provincial government is also pushing to reopen the Marau airstrip.

“These are some of the key projects my government is working on. We need to restore air services across the province because we believe the reopening of these airstrips will make development easier,” he added.

In addition to airstrip rehabilitation, Premier Atu highlighted another major infrastructure initiative — the Kaoka–Marau Road in East Guadalcanal.

He said the tender for the road survey will close next month, after which work is expected to commence.

Premier Atu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving essential infrastructure, including roads and airstrips, to connect communities throughout Guadalcanal Province.

“Our goal is to ensure all people and communities are connected through better infrastructure,” he said.

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