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The People’s Republic of China (PRC) has joined Australia in handing over another Sports facility to the government and people of Solomon Islands.
This time the PRC government and its people handed over three newly built dormitories at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) to the government and people of Solomon Islands.
In what is billed as another transformative development, PRC funded three newly constructed dormitories which hold four storey floors, one common multi- purpose hall and one equipment and maintenance block.
PM Sogavare pointing to one of the three four storey dormitories while the PRC Chargé d’affairs HE Ding Yonghua looks on
The Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare in delivering his guest speech, acknowledged the contractor- Jiangsu Provincial Construction Group Company Ltd- and the management group- Central South Architectural Design Institute- for successfully completing the project on time and within budget.
The challenges the contractor and management teams faced included the COVID- 19 pandemic which forced border closures, the presence of unexploded ordinances, earthquake and the constant bad weather experienced in Honiara.
Prime Minister Sogavare stated that in the face of these challenges “I am full of admiration and thankfulness for their commitment, and their resolve to complete the first ever modern university accommodation complexes…”
He added, the new infrastructure will leave behind a legacy from the Games to SINU who will enjoy the benefits of it into the future.
The Prime Minister further paid tribute to National Hosting Authority (NHA) chairman and team for the vision to transform the skyline of the University, and also PRC for sharing the same vision and translating it to what they are today.
PM Sogavare and PRC charge d’affairs HE Ding Yonghua walking on the new pavement leading to the second four storey dormitory at SINU
The new infrastructure will add $174 million investment to SINU and that is extremely important.
SINU was asked to look after the infrastructures after they are handed over to the University in December, adding that the University must be prepared to meet the cost of maintenance to the new facilities.
All new improvements made to SINU in terms of monetary value is in excess of $200 million which makes SINU the highest beneficiary to NHA’s investments for the Pacific Games 2023.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister resounded sincere appreciation of the government and people of Solomon Islands to the government and people of the PRC for funding the infrastructures which transform SINU’s image and provide ultra- modern facilities for students to the level of quality hotel accommodation.
Addressing the PRC Charg’e d ’affairs H.E Ding Yonghua, Prime Minister Sogavare stated, the bilateral relations between the two countries is only four years old, yet PRC has shown and demonstrated its genuineness in ensuring Solomon Islands rise up and provide a memorable game, a gesture and gift that the country will cherish for many years to come.
On behalf of the government and people of Solomon Islands, he thanked the embassy and government of PRC for the tremendous support rendered to the government to enable the country to host the Pacific Games 2023.
PM Sogavare and PRC Charge d’affairs looking down from the fourth floor admiring the beautiful scenery
Details of the three four- storey dormitory blocks- on the ground floor are eight double bedroom suites with a sitting room, study tables and chairs, cupboards for storage, and a common bathroom and toilet, and four rooms for students with special needs who may require wheelchair access.
The ground floor can accommodate 68 students altogether.
Floors two, three and fourth have 20 rooms each, and each can accommodate four students. They are equipped with study tables, cupboards and each room has its own shower and toilet. The rooms can accommodate 80 students.
One single four- storey building can accommodate 308 students, in their full capacity.
The three dormitories can accommodate up to 924 students altogether plus 12 students with special needs.
Each of the four floors of the dormitories has a common room equipped with a TV, a fridge and tea/ coffee making space.
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Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat
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