Japanese envoy reaffirms infrastructure support to SI

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JAPANESE Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E Shigeru Toyama has reaffirmed Japan’s support in infrastructure development when he met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Friday 14.

H.E Toyama paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sogavare to update him on Japan’s ongoing development programs in the country.

Mr Toyama said Japan’s commitment in the infrastructure sector remains a top priority.

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“Japan is a front-runner in the infrastructure development in Solomon Islands,” he said.

The Japanese ambassador also briefed the Prime Minister on Japan’s programs under the technical sector and grant aid funding.

He also informed the Prime Minister that the Government of Japan has remained committed to the extension of the Kukum Highway Project.

“The Japanese government is expected to signoff the next phase of the project in September this year,” he said.

Mr Toyama said Japanese consultations have already kicked started work on the ground.

“Japan is proud of its assistance providing quality infrastructure in Solomon Islands,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare in response has thanked and welcomed Japan’s reaffirmation and partnership in the infrastructure sector.

The Prime Minister said road infrastructure development in the country is important.

He said the Government has also redirected its focus to improve feeder roads around the country.

Prime Minister Sogavare said discussion on the road improvement project with other development partners on the west side of Honiara is also in progress.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has also welcomed JICA’s ongoing dialogue between the National Government and Provincial government to extend Japanese infrastructure development to the provinces.

“The need for strategic infrastructure development in this country is vital. Solomon Islands is scattered geographically and linking our people to our urban centres is vital,” he said.

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