Work is underway to create accommodation for athletes competing at this year’s Pacific Games in the Solomon Islands thanks to financial support from the Australian Government.
The Solomon Islands 2023 Steering Committee has met for the second time to discuss preparations for the Games since Australia signed a formal agreement to provide funding last December.
The main portion of Australia’s AUD$17 million (£10 million/US$11 million/€11.1 million) commitment is to assist with the refurbishment of school dormitories which will serve as athletes’ accommodation during the Games in Honiara.
The project started in December and is expected to be completed “within the next seven to eight months”, according to Solomon Islands 2023.
It is hoped that the accommodation will be open a week before the Games which are scheduled to run from 19 November to 02 December.
“These refurbishments will be enduring legacy, providing, safe, accessible and quality accommodation for students who need to board in Honiara to complete their senior school education,” a statement from Solomon Islands 2023 said.
The Steering Committee was established to provide oversight on the progress of the Australian Government’s support projects, including the construction of the athletes’ accommodation.
The group, which is expected to meet monthly, is made up representatives from the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, the National Housing Authority and the office of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
Solomon Islands 2023 have also received financial support from China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Japan and South Korea to aid preparations for the Games.
SOURCE: INSIDE THE GAMES/PACNEWS
