BY SYLVANA TEKUMAHA
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation (MCA) Fredrick Kologeto has confirmed that Rennell Bellona province will have a third airstrip.
He shared this on the floor of parliament during the Sine Die Motion on Tuesday when responding to Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale’s question about the plans for airport construction on the island.
Kologeto said the Renbel province airstrip budget for 2026 was passed with a feasibility study and is expected to begin early next year.
The airstrip is planned for the eastern end of Rennell Island, close to Lake Tegano.
He said five interested groups approached the Ministry of Aviation regarding the sites for the airstrip, however no final decision was made regarding the location.
“We have not decided where to have the airstrip located, but we must make sure it serves the maximum rural population, the province and the Government,” he said.
He also pointed out the Ministry’s plan is to construct a longer airstrip to accommodate large aircrafts. The intention is to have routes around the country to service people.
“Rennel Bellona is an important site for the Government as it works towards decentralisation of operations, in order to develop Rennel Bellona for tourism purposes,” he said.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Permanent Secretary for MCA, Alwin Danitofea explained that the site for the airstrip remains to be confirmed.
He adds that an airstrip in East Rennell will boost tourism, and proposed aquaculture projects for the Lake.
Member of Parliament for West Are’Are, John Maneniaru also raised concerns in parliament about limited transportation to the province and people depending on aerial transport due to irregular shipping services.
“With the plan for airstrip construction, it would be profitable therefore the Ministry needs to invest into Solomon Airlines,” he said.
He encouraged the Ministry of Aviation to have the feasibility study quick for construction.
Wale further questioned Kologeto about the timeframe the Ministry is looking at for the east Rennel construction and procurement to start.
“I am not going to give the actual date but work will begin in January next year,” Kologeto said.
MCA will be looking at a feasibility study, consultancy and identification on sites for airstrips in East Rennel, East Malaita, Central Province and Choiseul province early next year.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed to reopen Avu Avu airstrip in East Guadalcanal in August. The Ministry of Communication and Aviation also rehabilitated the airstrip in Atoifi, East Malaita and have closed the tender for Malaita Outer Island.
Rennell and Bellona has two existing airstrips. One on Bellona, the Anua airstrip, and the other on West Rennell, Tigoa station.
From Tigoa airport, the journey to Lake Tengano takes less than three hours and truck fares can cost up to $2,000.
For feedback, contact:
