BY INDY MAEALASIA
THE new University of the South Pacific (USP)Solomon Islands Campus dubbed as a “state-of-the-art infrastructure” is the institution’s second largest in the Pacific region.
USP SI Campus Director, Dr Billy Fitoo said this during a tour organized for the media on Wednesday.
The director alongside project consultant, Kramer Ausenco (Solomon Islands) Ltd and contractor, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) provided a comprehensive overview of the impressive complex.
Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the USD$12million plus complex is nearing the completion of the project’s phase one.
The complex consists of three buildings and are equipped with all the necessary feature of a functional university campus which includes; library, cafeteria, admin office, lecture rooms, conference room and a lecture theater.
Kramer Ausenco’s contract engineer, Daniel Tucker assured that the facilities are able to withstand natural disasters like strong winds and earthquakes.
“During the recent earthquakes, we inspected the building and found no cracks so we are confident that the facilities can withstand earthquakes” Tucker said.
Tucker also said to meet the requirements of ADB and USP, the project was designed to cater for sustainable development, climate change and disaster management, responsiveness to energy efficiency and the cultural background of Solomon Islands.
Dr. Fitoo also announced that keys had been handed over and an official opening ceremony will be organized in May.
