BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) officially commissioned its new jetty at the Honiara Domestic Terminal Area yesterday.
The new facility has been named ‘Kulabule Jetty’ in honour of the late Captain Judah Kulabule, a former long-serving Harbour Master, in recognition of his dedicated service and contribution to the maritime industry and the nation’s ports sector.
The modern facility 50-metre jetty is located behind Hyundai Mall and adjacent to the Wate Jetty.
It was officially opened by the Minister for Infrastructure Development (MID), Ricky Fuo’o.
The ceremony was attended by government officials, SIPA executives, stakeholders and members of the late Captain Kulabule’s family.
The project was fully funded by Solomon Ports at a cost of approximately SBD$28 million.
The facility is expected to improve the efficiency of domestic shipping operations, reduce vessel traffic congestion at the Honiara port area and enhance services for inter-island passengers and shipping operators.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, SIPA Chief Executive Officer George Rausi welcomed guests and highlighted the importance of continued investment in domestic port infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity across the country.
Moses Virivolomo, SIPA Board Chairman also addressed attendees, describing the jetty as a strategic investment that will strengthen domestic maritime services and improve the movement of people and goods throughout the islands.
Kulabule’s family representative, Ruth Lilogula expressed appreciation for the honour bestowed upon the family through the naming of the new facility.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister Fuo’o commended SIPA for undertaking the project and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen critical transport infrastructure.
He said that improved maritime facilities are essential for national development, particularly for a country that relies heavily on sea transport to connect its scattered islands and communities.
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting by dignitaries, followed by a walkthrough and structural inspection of the facility led by SIPA’s Engineering and Projects team with MP Fuo’o.
The commissioning of the Kulabule Jetty represents another major addition to Honiara’s growing domestic port infrastructure network.
Photo credit: John Houanihau
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