The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), in partnership with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the landowning groups of Avuavu, this week signed a milestone Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pave the way for the reopening of the Avuavu airstrip.
The signing took place at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Chamber, marking a significant step forward in the government’s vision to reopen and upgrade runways across the country.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Mr. Alwyn Danitofea, emphasized that partnerships are vital to development. “Without partnerships, development cannot happen,” he stated, while acknowledging the strong collaboration between MCA, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and landowning groups.
PS Danitofea further assured the landowners that the government, through MCA, is committed to the reopening project, backed by dedicated budget allocations. He added that the signed MOU will allow the project to progress, and any arising issues will be addressed through a subsequent agreement.
Highlighting its importance, PS Danitofea noted that the Avuavu airstrip once played a crucial role in the socio-economic development of South and East Guadalcanal before its closure 25 years ago, which negatively impacted the communities. He also confirmed that, under MCA’s work plan, Babanakira Airport in West Guadalcanal will be the next to reopen.
Speaking on behalf of the landowners, Mr. Fred Laku thanked the national government for prioritizing the reopening of Avuavu airstrip. He stressed that the airstrip had once been central to the livelihoods of South and East Guadalcanal communities, and its reopening will be their contribution to national development. He assured the Ministry of the landowners’ full support for the project’s successful implementation.
The interim committee instrumental in facilitating the signing was represented by its Chairman, Mr. Lawrence Balani, who remarked: “It is not the size or length of the airstrip that matters, but the positive impact it will bring to the lives of the people.”
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation also wish to acknowledge and thank the office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Ministry of lands, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Forestry and the Guadalcanal Provincial Office for the continuous support towards the rehabilitation and reopening of the Avuavu Airport.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation was responsible for drafting the MOU and vetted by the Attorney General’s Chambers. The MOU was signed between the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, the Guadalcanal Provincial Government, and the Avuavu landowning groups.