Ministry of Communication and Aviation Signs MOU with Avuavu Land Representatives
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with land representatives of Avuavu for the rehabilitation and reopening of the Avuavu Airstrip in East Guadalcanal. The signing ceremony took place this afternoon at the Provincial Assembly Chamber.
The MOU enables the Ministry to carry out the rehabilitation and expansion of the Avuavu Airstrip to meet current aviation standards and requirements.
According to Permanent Secretary Mr. Alwyn P. Danitofea, the signing of the MOU is not only historic but also a transformative step aligned with the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) infrastructure development policies in the country.
“The signing of the MOU is a mechanism for transformation in Solomon Islands—particularly for Guadalcanal Province—in terms of infrastructure development,” said Mr. Danitofea.
He added that the rehabilitation and reopening of the Avuavu Airstrip has been a long-standing goal, and assured both the Premier and landowning tribes that the Ministry is committed to seeing the project through.
“I assure the landowning tribes that the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) will continue to serve the interests of the people and will work collaboratively with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government and the landowning tribes of Avuavu,” he stated.
Mr. Danitofea also confirmed that the budget for the airstrip’s rehabilitation is already secured. He emphasized that the Avuavu project is one of eight airstrips across the country prioritized for rehabilitation under the Ministry’s national program.
The Premier of Guadalcanal, Hon. William Atu, expressed his gratitude to the landowning tribes for their cooperation and willingness to sign the MOU.
“This signing is a sign of peace and unity,” said Premier Atu, referencing the civil unrest from 1998 to 2001 that halted essential services across Guadalcanal, including the Avuavu Airstrip.
He thanked the GNUT for prioritizing the Avuavu Airstrip under the National Transport Plan and highlighted its potential to unlock opportunities in economic development, healthcare, education, and tourism.
He alluded that reopening of the Avuavu, Mbabanakira and Marau airstrips are captured under the current Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s policy. He was happy to see the Avuavu Airstrip is now nearing its operational status once the rehabilitation is done.
The Chairman of the Interim Committee, Mr. Lawrence Balani, also shared his sentiments, stating:
“The success of the Avuavu Airstrip is not about the number of flights or passengers, but the lives it will save—especially in terms of emergency medical services for our rural people.”
The Avuavu Airstrip was closed during the ethnic tensions and was previously a vital access point for communities in East Guadalcanal. Due to existing road connections between East Guadalcanal and Talise Ward in South Guadalcanal, the airstrip is expected to serve both regions, despite the road infrastructure remaining in poor condition.
According to PS Danitofea, Avuavu is one of eight airstrips prioritized for rehabilitation across the country. Among them is the Mbabanakira Airstrip, located between West and South Guadalcanal, which is reportedly nearing final preparations for reopening.
In attendance were the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mr. Alwyn Perez Danitofea; Premier of Guadalcanal, Hon. William Atu; MPA for Avuavu, Hon. John Bosti (Minister for Education); MPA for Birao Ward, Allen Embi (Minister for Fisheries); MPA for Tasimboko, Hon. Jimmy Saea (Minister for Women, Youths and Sports); MPA for Vatukulau Ward, Hon. John Gapu (Minister for Works and Infrastructure); MCA officials, Provincial Secretary, Mr. Maesac Suia; Clerk to the Assembly, Edward Juvia; and representatives of the Avuavu landowning tribes.
Source: Guadalcanal Provincial Government Media
