BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Preparation for the construction of the first ever wharf project on Bellona Island, Rennel Bellona province is well progressing.
The project is funded by Asia Development Bank (ADB) and Solomon Islands Government, and implement by the China Civil Engineering Company Corporation (CCECC).
Recently, CCECC has shipped the first consignment of materials for the project to the project site at Ahanga on Bellona Island.
The materials encompassed those for clearing of the contractor’s camp as well as materials for the foundational structure of the wharf project.
Premier of Rennel Bellona province, Hon Dereck Pongi confirmed yesterday, as progress is unfolding on this historic economic infrastructure project.
He said like every province; infrastructure is important for the development of Rennel Bellona province.
“We, Rennel Bellona province don’t have any wharf and the construction of Ahanga wharf project will be the first for the province,” Pongi said.
He added that they hope, the completion of the project will contribute to the economic development of Rennel Bellona province.
Premier Pongi also noted that whilst preparatory work is underway, a committee was established on the ground to consult people about the project.
He said the committee was supported by MID and CCECC to ensure resource owners and other stakeholders are on the same page of this development.
In the meantime, the premier acknowledged ADB and SIG for funding the milestone project.
He also thanked the former MP for Rennel Bellona and Ministry of Infrastructure Development for support rendered on the initial stages of the project.
Pongi explained that after the project was approved for Rennell Bellona province, the former MP was given option to select a site to implement it.
The site selected was Ahanga on Bellona Island, where the project will be implemented.
On the same note, Pongi highlighted the commitment of his government to work closely with national government and donor partners to pursue similar infrastructure development projects for the province.
He noted based on SIG’s national proposed projects for Rennel Bellona province in the next three years is the development of Lavangu wharf on Rennell Island.
Pongi said his government has already made submission to the national government for the development of Lavangu wharf and the Rennell Road rehabilitation projects.
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