$40 MILLION INTO EQUIPMENT

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The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Board has approved a SB$40 million investment into new wharf handling equipment and machines to increase the ability of the Honiara Port to handle cargoes.

Vice Chairman of the Board and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Mr Henry Murray announced the SB$40 million investment at the opening of the 2nd Honiara International Berthing wharf today.

The Japanese Government through its international funding agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has funded the port improvement project for approximately SB$200 million.

The new 150 meters international wharf together with its other new facilities will increase and improve the capacity and the ability of the Ports Authority to handle more ships and cargoes and to efficiently manage exports and imports passing through Honiara in a timely manner for all port users.     

To help the SIPA achieve the market expectations, Mr Murray said the SIPA Board as part of its contribution to the Project has approved investing up to SBD$40 million to purchase new wharf handling machines and equipment - some of which are now being shipped to Honiara.
    
The new Port facility comprises of a 150 meters international wharf, an adjoining container yard, port lighting, power and water supply, access roads and mooring dolphins. Construction work began in September 2014 and was completed 3 months ahead of schedule in June 2016.

ENDS///

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