BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The 2023 Pacific Games National Stadium Project is the first major infrastructure project from the People’s Republic of China to the people of Solomon Islands and also the largest state of the art multipurpose sports facility across the Pacific island region.
The People’s Republic of China ambassador to SI His Excellency Li Ming made the assurance when delivering his key note speech at the event to mark the ground breaking of the PG2023 national stadium project recently.
“This project is the first major infrastructure project from China government to the people of Solomon Islands and it is also the largest state of the art multipurpose sports facility across the Pacific Island region.
“With our join efforts, in two years’ time where we are standing now will become the sport city of Solomon islands,” Mr. Ming uttered while addressing SIG officials, NHA guest’s, diplomatic corps and stakeholders at the KG6 PG2023 site during the ground breaking ceremony.
He said the project will not only contribute to the success of Pacific games in 2023 but also will become landmark of the Solomon Islands. It will help drive SI economy, bring new jobs, business opportunity in areas like tourism, infrastructure, Technology transfer, labor training and many more.
“Ladies and gentlemen as you may have noted the architect of this stadium has made very deep studies. Under the roof of the main stadium is designed in the shape of a traditional pot of SI. It shows the respect and appreciations to cultures and customs of SI and symbolize a friendship which carried with expectation and a bright future for the relations between China and SI,” said Li Ming.
Mr. Ming revealed that as a genuine development partner and responsible large country, China’s assistance to Solomon Islands is under the free world of south to south cooperation (SSC) as china always honored its commitment and conditions.
“China will always be there as the genuine partner, friend on the path of development of Solomon Islands. Today’s ceremony marks another milestone, stepping forward to the Pacific games. Construction work starts and the successful stories will continue,’’ said Li Ming.
The national stadium consist of a total of seven sporting infrastructure that includes 10,000 seats, an aquatic center to host a 50 meter pool competition and 25 meter training pool, six tennis Court center, a full size training track and soccer/rugby field, a 90 meter by 50 Multipurpose hall, 5 aside hockey field, double space food court and office space building for games organizing committee.
