JICA PRESIDENT PAYS PM LILO AND CABINET COURTESY VISIT

The Prime Minister also described the JICA President’s visit as timely because the Japanese government through JICA and the National Government are in the process of finalizing necessary arrangements for the major projects planned for the Honiara City.

The major projects are upgrading the Solomon Islands Ports Authority facilities in the country; upgrading Kukum Highway and formulating the transport sector master plan for Honiara City.

Other projects are rehabilitating the old and new Mataniko bridges.

Meanwhile, JICA president Tanaka has told Prime Minister Lilo – the Japanese government through JICA, is committed in the major projects planned for Solomon Islands.

Mr Tanaka said JICA is committed in fast-tracking the process so that the major developments can kick start.

“JICA is now planning to rehabilitate the old and new Mataniko bridges, which were severely damaged by the flood. About two weeks ago we dispatched a mission here to grasp the post flood situation and now we plan to reflect the findings into the bridge design. We are ready to further contribute to Solomon’s early recovery and reconstruction Solomon Islands to be more resilient to disasters.”

He also said he was impressed to visit the country as he will be seeing for himself the successful developments under JICA.

He also assured the Prime Minister that the Japanese government, through JICA, is committed to helping reconstruct and rehabilitate the Solomon Islands, especially after the floods that crippled most of the country’s infrastructure.