BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
WESTERN Province Premier Billy Veo calls on the Government for Reform, Empowerment, Accountability and Transformation (GREAT) and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIACL) to fast-track long-awaited plans to upgrade the Nusatupe Airport Terminal in Gizo.
Speaking during discussions with Prime Minister Mathew Wale during his recent visit to Western Province, Veo expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in implementing plans to improve the province’s main airport terminal.
“I’m really disappointed with the delay of plans to upgrade the terminal. It has been too long and this must be addressed,” he said.
Veo said the Western Provincial Government has already resolved land-related issues that had previously been cited as obstacles to the project.
He said the province has already addressed the land issue, which has been used as an excuse for delaying the groundwork.
Veo said the responsibility now lies with the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited to respond and move the project forward.
He said Western Province is widely recognised as one of the country’s leading tourism destinations and that the current state of the Nusatupe terminal does not reflect its importance.
“We know that Western Province is one of the tourist destinations in Solomon Islands. Tourists visit our province every month.
“This is the reason why we want Nusatupe terminal to be upgraded,” Veo said.
He said improving the terminal will enhance the travel experience for visitors and support the continued growth of the tourism sector, which remains a key contributor to the province’s economy.
Veo also calls on the national government to consider upgrading Mono Airport into a second international airport in Western Province.
He said the province already has an existing runway at Mono, which was constructed during World War II and has the potential to be developed into an international gateway.
Veo said consultations with communities and resource owners have already been completed and the necessary documentation is now being prepared.
“We have completed consultations with communities and resource owners, and a document will be presented to the provincial executive for further discussion,” he said.
Veo said the provincial executive will endorse the proposal and a final submission will be made to the government through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
He said the development of Mono Airport will open up new economic opportunities for the province, strengthen connectivity and support future growth in tourism and investment.
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