CHINA ASSURES SI GOV’T OF TIMELY DELIVERY OF GAMES INFRASTRUCTURE

The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has assured Solomon Islands that all China funded Games Infrastructure will be completed and ready in time for the Sol2023 Pacific Games this year.

The Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Li Ming, reassured Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare of this during a brief meeting this week in Honiara.

“All the Games infrastructure facilities that China is financing will be completed and handed over to NHA (National Hosting Authority) in August 2023, in time for inspection and testing.

“This gives sufficient time for the Games Organizing Committee (GOC) to take exclusive possession of the venues around October 2023 to prepare the venues to run the 24 sports programs at Games time.”

Ambassador Li said, “The Chinese contractors CCECC construction, the PG2023 Stadium projects and JPC constructing the PG2023 Games Village, SINU Dormitory project have reaffirmed their commitment to complete the two projects by August this year.”

He added that the projects are the perfect gift from the Chinese Government to the Government and People of Solomon Islands.

“This is the perfect gift from China to Solomon Islands, as a symbol of our friendship and support towards Solomon Islands’ hosting the Sol2023 Pacific Games.”

Prime Minister Sogavare in his response said that he is satisfied with the progress made, stressing on the importance of the project to the government and its significance to the people of Solomon Islands.

“It is important to note the benefit local Solomon Islanders get from the projects from local international events using the facilities after the 2023 Pacific Games.”

Meanwhile, President of the Pacific Games Council Vidhya Lakhan said he was satisfied with the progress of the projects, thanking the Government and people of China for the generous support on behalf of the 22 members of the Games Council.

“I am pleasantly surprised and amazed by the amount of work the contractors have done over the last four months. We are quite happy and confident Solomon Islands will be ready for Sol2023,” he said.