Hosting Pacific games hinders other development goals in the Solomon Islands

Identified sites for the Pacific Games along with the name of donors to fund the proposed facilities. Photo supplied.

By BRIAN LEZUTUNI

A Solomon Islands Government Minister says hosting the 2023 Pacific games has had an impact on the plans of the government to pursue other development projects in the country.

The country is in a race against time to ensuring infrastructures and other preparatory works are completed in time and have sought the financial assistance of its development partners to ensure ground work begins.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, Jeremiah Manele told Wansolwara that the government’s focus now is preparing for the 2023 games.

“A big chunk of our government’s development budget will be occupied in terms of preparing for the games.

The Minister made mention of its plan to build a High Commission Office at its land at Nasese as one project that is facing difficulty because of the government’s decision.

He however stressed that the People’s Republic of China (PRC)) will be taking up 60 percent of the total cost of preparations for the games, which would be for the main stadium and other facilities.

“Other donors such as Indonesia have been approached to assist,” he added.

Last week Papua New Guinea became the latest country to commit to the Solomon Islands

This was after PNG’s Prime Minister, James Marape pledged K40 million (26M FJD) during bilateral talks with his Solomon Islands counterpart, Manasseh Sogavare in Honiara last week.

According to the Solomon Islands Government Communication Unit, the Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare has expressed gratitude towards the government of Papua New Guinea for the assistance.

Sogavare said Honiara has no existing infrastructure that can host the games and is relying on partnerships with countries and donors to assist in building proper facilities to host and deliver the games in 2023.

He said the National Hosting Authority (NHA) for the 2023 Pacific Games, responsible for carrying out work on the games will build critical sports facilities required to successfully host the 2023 Pacific Games.

The NHA on its website said it has made tremendous progress in seeking major funding for the sports venue and coming up with an ambitious sports development program aimed at putting Solomon Islands at the top-four category in medal hauls at the 2023 Pacific Games.

Edited by Wansolwara students Deputy Editor Brian Lezutuni (Solomon Islands) and student Online Editor Ben Bilua (Solomon Islands).