BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Honiara City Council (HCC) has welcomed the new Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Jeff Roach during his courtesy visit to the Lord Mayor’s Office in Honiara.
Mayor Eddie Siapu expressed deep appreciation for the long-standing partnership between Solomon Islands and Australia, a HCC statement on Tuesday this week said.
During the meeting, the Council acknowledged Australia’s pivotal role in supporting national development, particularly through key infrastructure initiatives under the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP).
The statement said among the major projects highlighted were the Central Market West Wing extension, White River Market, and the construction of five new bus shelters. These developments have significantly improved public services and enhanced daily life for residents across the city.
The Council also recognised Australia’s support for health services, notably through the Naha Urban Health and Learning Centre. The facility is expected to provide safer, high-quality healthcare for women, children, and families in Honiara.
In addition, the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project, supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government, was acknowledged for generating employment opportunities and improving livelihoods across the city.
HCC also acknowledged Australia’s significant investment in infrastructure, including the new High Commission Chancery at Lengakiki, which continues to contribute to the city’s growth and development.
The Council expressed strong interest in strengthening cooperation, particularly in socio-economic infrastructure such as markets and bus shelters. Plans to upgrade the Central Market and improve school bus shelters were also discussed, the statement said.
In response, High Commissioner Roach thanked the Lord Mayor for the warm welcome and reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting Honiara’s continued development into the future.
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