“The multi-million dollar Japanese funded Honiara airport upgrade is now in limbo and is currently being suspended following the threats of the Coronavirus (Covid-19), says the permanent secretary for the Ministry of Communications & Aviation.
“This project aims to reduce aircraft turn around, provide passenger comfort and improve safety by construction of a new departure terminal, a new taxiway, repairs to existing taxiway, repairs to existing apron and expansion of apron to the west, refurbishment of existing international terminal two-thirds to be used for domestic operations, installation of dykes for flood control, install new generators and install lights.
“These are major components of the scope of the project at a cost of approximately USD 33.8 million (JPY 3,681,000,000).
“Japan is funding the airport upgrade and its foreign aid agency the Japan International Cooperation Agency approved the contract ahead of last week's signing ceremony.
“Mr Moses Virivolomo in an exclusive interview with this paper said if the threat continues on for a longer period of time, the project could be terminated.”
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