BY TAROMANE MARTIN
CHAIRMAN for Events Commission Mr Morris Maitaki says all the necessary facilities to host the 2018 Solomon Games in Rennell and Bellona Province looks good.
Mr Maitaki told SunSPORTS yesterday that NOCSI is planning to visit the province again end of September for their second round assessment on the provinces’ preparations.
Maitaki said the recent announcement that the Solomon Games has been postponed and moved to Honiara for 2019, comes as a surprise because they have not received feedback from caucus or the government after delivering their first assessment early this year.
He said NOCSI has been planning to visit the province for their final assessment on their preparation end of September and believes the province has everything it needs to host the games.
“It was a surprise to us because we did not had or hear any feed back after handing our first report from caucus,” Mr Maitaki said.
“It was shocking decision. There should have been a joint collaboration between the government, Ministry of Home Affairs, NOCSI and the local organizing committee for the games.
“Our first visit was good. The swimming pool, touch rugby, rugby beach volleyball and football venues are almost finished, only about 20 percent to be completed
“NOCSI has an arranged visit to the province end of September. Already about 70 percent of the ground work has been completed.
“But we want to visit them end of September to see the progress, come back and then finalize the report for the games. That was always been the plan
“After our visit end of September then we will continue to advise authorities on what should be done.
“But the LOC still have six weeks to finalize the preparation for the games after our proposed visit next month.
“Otherwise seeing and currently hearing what is currently going on the ground from the LOC there we assured Renbel can host the games,” Maitaki said.
Meanwhile NOCSI President Mr Martin Rara is expected to arrive in the country today after attending the Asian Games held in India.
