By Eliza Kukutu
MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea speaking at the Press Conference today.
By Agnes Menanopo
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) is planning to construct a new airport on Vanikoro Island in Temotu Province, which would become the easternmost airport in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at a Press Conference yesterday, Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea said the people of Vanikoro have agreed in principle to sell land outrightly for the airstrip.
Danitofea said the proposed site is a greenfield location. The ministry will engage a local engineering firm to develop a conceptual design before putting the project out to tender.
He added that all new provincial airports under MCA’s current program are designed with 1,500-metre runways, capable of accommodating ATR 42 aircrafts. The facilities will also include proper fencing and ground lighting systems.
The Ministry is also working with the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to establish a police patrol boat base on Vanikoro Island.
Danitofea said the government’s policy direction to build a patrol boat base in Vanikoro aligns with MCA’s development plans.
“If we are to invest in Vanikoro, RSIPF must also establish a patrol boat base there,” he said.
“Government agencies need to be present on the island.”
Danitofea said the project is not only intended to provide air services to the island but also to support the decentralization of development in Temotu Province.
[END]
