By EDDIE OSIFELO
CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee, Douglas Ete has congratulated Japan for its generosity in funding infrastructure projects in the country.
Ete made this commendation when the Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Morimoto Yasuhiro and his First Secretary, Asano Yoko appeared before the PAC in Parliament on Tuesday.
Ete was delighted to hear Ambassador Yasuhiro mentioned his government’s commitment to fund the Honiara City’s main Kukum Highway phase two project, upgrade Honiara International Airport and its interest to upgrade the Kilu’ufi hospital in Malaita province.
The Phase 2 project is the continuation from where the Kukum Highway Phase One ended.
The Project will cover the 6.3 Kilometers road from the Ministry of Fisheries to Honiara International Airport. This includes 4.3 Kilometers of 4-lane road to Lunga Bridge and 2 kilometers of 2-lane road from Lunga Bridge to the Airport.
This project along with the current Honiara International Airport Project and other major infrastructure projects in the past has changed and will continue to change the landscape of Honiara and will transform the city into a better city for everyone
Ancillaries to the road project include the drainage systems, bus stations, streetlights, traffic signboards and pavement markings.
Ambassador Yasuhiro said the Japanese government has committed $250 million for the Kukum Highway upgrade road project.
He said $340 million was approved to upgrade the Honiara International airport.
Besides, the Japanese government has approved $190 million to support the government combats the coronavirus pandemic.
Ambassador Yasuhiro said his government has also provided $400 million to Ministry of Fisheries under the Economic and Social grant.
Japan has signed diplomatic relationship with Solomon Islands since 1978.
