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       Solomon Islands receives upgraded Seghe Airfield to enhance air
       connectivity
        
 (HTM) Source
        
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       Seghe Airfield upgrades are completed under the Solomon Islands
       Provincial Airfields project - co-funded by the governments of New
       Zealand, Australia, and Solomon Islands.  Photo: Facebook / New
       Zealand High Commission- Honiara, Solomon Islands
        
       The New Zealand and Australian governments handed over today the
       upgraded Seghe Airfield to the Solomon Islands government, which they
       hope will boost connectivity for the country's provinces.
        
       The almost $55 million project is co-funded by New Zealand, Australia
       and Solomon Islands, and implemented by Downer and AECOM.
        
       Work on the upgrade had commenced in October last year and was
       expected to be completed by June 2024.
        
       According to Solomon Airlines, the Segi Point Airfield was built in
       late July 1943 by Seabees supported by Marine Raiders. The field was
       constructed in less than 11 days, and then used as a fighter strip to
       support the Rendova and Munda Point Landings.
        
       In a joint press statement, the two government's said the project
       demonstrates their strong commitment to Solomon Islands aviation and
       economic development.
        
       Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, who officially opened
       the Seghe Airfield, expressed his gratitude to all partners for their
       hard work and dedication to the project.
        
       Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele meets with New Zealand
       Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters.  Photo: RNZ Pacific / Caleb
       Fotheringham
        
       New Zealand Deputy Minister Winston Peters, is visiting the Solomons
       said the upgraded airfield will make it "safer and more reliable".
        
       "The upgrade of the Seghe Airfield runway in Western Province will
       enable flights to operate under all weather conditions, making
       operations safer and more reliable, and enhancing connectivity for
       Solomon Islands' provinces," he said.
        
       He said NZ is delighted to have worked with Australia on the project
       and to hand the airfield back to the people of Solomon Islands, adding
       it contribute to the country's economic resilience.
        
       "As well as boosting local jobs, the upgrade will support the growth
       of the tourism industry, expand economic opportunities, and improve
       access to essential services and more equitable development across the
       provinces."
        
       Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said Manele has made it clear
       economic growth, job creation and infrastructure development were his
       government's number one priority.
        
       "Australia and New Zealand have listened and are responding, working
       with the Solomon Islands Government to upgrade Seghe Airfield to bring
       greater economic benefits, including tourism, to Western Provincem"
       Wong said.
        
       "This upgrade is part of a broader program of high-quality airfield
       upgrades supported by Australia and New Zealand to help unlock Solomon
       Islands' full economic potential," she added.
        
        
        
        
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