HONIARA City Council (HCC) has praised Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) for upgrading the pedestrian crossing between Holy Cross, Roman Catholic Church and HCC head office in Honiara.
The handing-over ceremony was on Thursday 4th of May, 2023.
Speaking during the hand-over ceremony, Lord Mayor Edward Kasuteé Siapu expressed, the opening ceremony may not have much highlights, but it is another important event for SIPA, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), HCC and National Traffic Department of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
City Mayor expressed his sincere appreciation and gratitude towards the Solomon Islands Ports Authority for funding and building the revamped pedestrian crossing, including the solar lights.
“I search for some brief background information about Solomon Ports, of which my findings convince me that SIPA, being one of the first statutory authorities to be established in the Solomon Islands in 1956 and had grown over the years to become the most successful State-Owned Enterprise in Solomon Islands,” City Mayor explained.
He said funding and building of this pedestrian crossing is a living testimony, a shining example of SIPA’s commitment to support the national government and the communities.
He said he sees this as an achievement for SIPA corporate social responsibility of which SIPA is not driven to achieve financial profits but also social profits.
He further expressed, Honiara City Council wants to see roads and bridges in the city developed to a modern and durable standard, however, he was very happy that this pedestrian crossing is completed for people to use.
Mayor Siapu uttered the ministry responsible for roads and bridges, MID, to continue with the work of upgrading and rehabilitating the roads in the city.
“Now that this pedestrian crossing is handed over, I want to see proper control of its use by pedestrians, therefore, it has to be awareness and control of how pedestrians use this to avoid traffic jam,” he said.
He explained, the National Traffic Department (RSIPF) can post officers to control movements of pedestrians here during peak hours in the morning and evenings.
Moreover, SIPA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Eranda Kotelawala explained, it is their pledge and support to the city as the responsible State-Owned Enterprise (SOE).
“All we want is beautifying and make our city safer for Honiara residents and the visiting public, especially proper pedestrian crossings in the city,” SIPA CEO Kotelawala said.
Mr Kotelawala uttered, SIPA is now looking at bringing the state of art colored light system with the pedestrian crossing, which we will work in collaboration with HCC and MID.
“The colored light system is similar to what we can see in Australia and New Zealand in which SIPA has already signed MOU with MID for such developments,” CEO Kotelawala explained.
He explained, the main reason behind this project was beautifying and make the city safer for all.
Meanwhile, MID Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Mr Andrew Holia said, it is good to make our city safer and more beautiful.
Mr Holia expressed, all we truly need is beautifying and make our city safer for all, because we own the city, it is ours, therefore, on behalf of MID Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, Permanent Secretary and staff, would like to thank SIPA for the generosity rendered towards safety and beautifying the city.
