BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Amidst the global turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2023 Pacific Games project emerges as a crucial lifeline that shielded the Solomon Islands from a complete economic breakdown.
Responding to concerns about the wisdom of directing resources towards the 2023 PG, Honorable Sogavare, while speaking at the recent handover ceremony of the 2023 PG stadium project on August 18th, affirmed its appropriateness.
Addressing the query head-on, Sogavare stated, “Let me directly address the question: Is investing in the 2023 PG the right choice for our nation? Despite persistent skepticism from various media outlets and even some of our own citizens about allocating resources towards sporting infrastructure for the 2023 PG among competing priorities, I want to reiterate my stance. Investing in the 2023 PG is entirely fitting.”
Underlining the critical role played by the 2023 Pacific Games project, especially during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact, Sogavare emphasized that it prevented the Solomon Islands from succumbing to a total economic collapse in the face of global, regional, and domestic contractions.
Sogavare highlighted that the financial infusion brought about by the 2023 Pacific Games projects effectively prevented an economic catastrophe. He pointed out how this investment not only revitalized the economy but also acted as a catalyst for major delayed projects, such as the Honiara Henderson International Airport upgrade and the Kukum Highway phase construction.
A striking example of the positive impact, Sogavare mentioned, was the 2023 PG stadium project itself. It generated employment for over seven hundred locals and nearly one thousand nationals during construction. This workforce, on average, earned substantial income that significantly bolstered the economy.
Sogavare revealed that collectively, all the PG 2023 projects provided gainful employment to more than five thousand people as direct employees or contractors. In addition, almost three thousand volunteers would be engaged in the lead-up to the games, reinforcing the economic and social contributions.
Dispelling misconceptions, Sogavare clarified that the funds allocated for the 2023 PG were designated for that sole purpose. They could not be diverted to other priorities. He urged, “The resources allocated by our donors for the 2023 PG are ring-fenced for its realization. Any notion of reassigning them to different causes is unfounded. Failure to utilize these funds for the PG would result in their forfeiture.”
Furthermore, Sogavare highlighted that the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) stood to gain immensely from the 2023 PG. Dormitory rooms worth 170 million Solomon dollars, catering to up to nine hundred students, would remain inaccessible without the opportunity provided by the PG.
Hon. Sogavare stressed that the investment in the 2023 PG is an investment in the nation’s future, particularly its young population. With over 60% of the populace below the age of 20, the sporting facilities established for PG2023 would serve as a lasting legacy, empowering the country’s youth.
