Third Pacific Games village handed over to SI Government
The third Pacific Games village is set to be used at this year’s Pacific Games has been formally handed over from Australian government to Solomon Islands government on Friday 6th October, 2023.
The facilities at King George VI secondary school buildings were upgraded by Australian Government funding at $15 million, with improvements beginning in December last year made to 26 buildings at the school.
KGVI school is one of six national educational institutions that had been selected in consultation with the respective education authorities to become games villages during the 2023 Pacific Games.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Minister responsible for Pacific Games 2023 was in attendances at the King George VI Secondary School to receive the upgraded facilities from Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton, thanked the Australian Government for its support.
“This type of assistance will continue to strengthen the friendship between the people and government of Australia and Solomon Islands.”
Sogavare said the primary reason the upgrade work to these facilities at KGVI school is to ensure there is adequate rooms to cater for athletes and officials coming to the 2023 Pacific Games, this work will leave behind a legacy for the school because the renovated facilities will serve our students for years to come.
He emphasized that the school’s willingness to be part of the country’s efforts to host athletes from the 24 participating countries in the Pacific Islands region, will ensure that Solomon Islands will successfully host the 17th edition of the Pacific Games in November this year.
His Excellency Mr Rod Hilton, High Commissioner of Australia to Solomon Islands said Australia is proud to support the Solomon Islands government efforts ensuring the 2023 Pacific Games will live an enduring legacy.
“The school’s refurbishments will not just to support housing athletes after the games but improvements to the school’s environment will increase health and learning outcomes for students for years to come,” said Hilton.
The newly refurbished and upgraded KGVI school facilities were 11 dormitories, two ablution blocks and 13 classrooms.
And a total of 339 nationals from 24 local contractors including 15 carpentry companies, 5 electrical companies and 5 plumbing companies were employed in the KGVIs school upgrade project.
Following the handover of KGVI school, the Prime Minister is expected to unveil another refurbishment facility this week that will cater for athletes and officials coming to the 2023 Pacific Games from 19 November – 2 December.
