PRIME Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare celebrated the successful completion and official handover of the 2023 Pacific Games Village and SINU Dormitories.
This handover exemplifies the growing partnership between the Solomon Islands and China, reflecting collaboration in infrastructure projects.
The Solomon Islands government and the National Hosting Authority will manage the state-of-the-art dormitories until 6th December 2023. Post this date, the National University of Solomon Islands will take over as part of the Games legacy.
Starting with a ground-breaking ceremony on 22nd June 2022, the facilities were completed in an impressive time of under 16 months amidst various challenges including the pandemic and natural calamities.
The project worth $174 million boasts three, by four-story dormitory blocks accommodating up to 924 students.
Notable amenities include a ‘110-Kilowatt standby generator’, water filtration systems, and a multi-purpose hall.
The facilities are tailored to host the 2023 Pacific Games athletes and officials and later after the games accommodate students studying at the Solomon Islands National University.
During the ceremony Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare extended his deep appreciation to the People’s Republic of China, Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Company Limited, and the Central-South Architectural Design Institute for their invaluable contributions.
With an investment surpassing $200 million, the National University is set to benefit enormously, turning it into a major beneficiary of the 2023 Pacific Games.
In acknowledging the unwavering support from the PRC, Prime Minister Sogavare uttered “Our four-year-old bilateral relations with China has already made a mark. Your desire to uplift my country for the 2023 Pacific Games is a gesture this country will cherish for years.”
Following the handover of all games facilities the NHA will further handover the facilities by October 27th to the Games Organising Committee to start preparing all the facilities for the games which will open on November 19, 2023.
