7th August 2025
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 Developmentโs (MID) Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD), in collaboration with the National Organizing Committee under the Prime Ministerโs 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 Universityโs (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.
MIDโs 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 governmentโs commitment to green energy principles.
The Land Transport Management Services Division (LTMSD) is assisting the organizing committee by planning logistical support for the event.
Buses and vehicle fleets reserved from the Pacific Games 2023 will be utilized, 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 committeeโs 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.
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[MID Press]
