BY MORRIS NAFU
The Avu Avu Airstrip in East Guadalcanal is on track for reopening after a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between Avu Avu tribal representatives and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) on Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
The signing ceremony took place at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Chamber in Honiara, with notable attendees including the Guadalcanal Provincial Premier William Atu, MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea and representatives from the Avu Avu community.
This MOU allows the ministry to proceed with the rehabilitation and expansion of the Avu Avu Airstrip, ensuring it meets current aviation standards and requirements.
During the ceremony, Mr Danitofea highlighted the importance of the event, stating that it signifies a commitment to transforming government policies from mere words into real actions.
“This ceremony marks a way forward to ensure that government policy does not remain on paper but is something we feel and experience in our daily lives,” he said.
Danitofea expressed gratitude to Guadalcanal Province for their support in facilitating the project and acknowledged the contributions of other ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Lands.
He calls on landowners to embrace government development initiatives and allow the project to progress, emphasising that any concerns should be addressed without hindering advancement.
“The most important thing for the Solomon Islands is progress. You must recognise that you are part of the transformation of the Solomon Islands,” he urged.
The ministry is committed to collaborating with Guadalcanal Province and local landowners to ensure that priorities in both the aviation and communications sectors are met.
Danitofea reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to partnership, stating that ongoing projects, including road developments, will continue to involve Guadalcanal Province and its landowners.
Premier Atu expressed his gratitude to the landowning tribes for their cooperation and willingness to sign the MOU.
“This signing is a sign of peace and unity,” said Premier Atu, referencing the civil unrest from 1998 to 2001 that halted essential services across Guadalcanal, including the Avu Avu Airstrip.
He thanked the GNUT for prioritising the Avu Avu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan and highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities in economic development, healthcare, education, and tourism.
Atu alluded that reopening of the Avu Avu, Mbabanakira and Marau airstrips are captured under the current Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s policy.
He was happy to see the Avu Avu Airstrip nearing its operational status.
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