161 towers project starts with a ground-breaking ceremony in North Guadalcanal.
The construction of 161 communication towers across the Solomon Islands has commenced this week in North Guadalcanal. Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, inaugurated the groundbreaking ceremony in Sali, North Guadalcanal on Wednesday.
Kicking off from Guadalcanal and extending to Central and Isabel Provinces, the project aims to have 25 to 30 operational towers up and running before the Pacific Games in November 2023. The completion of this initiative promises to grant 80 percent of the population access to 3G and 4G networks, as well as broadband internet services.
Prime Minister Sogavare, hailed the project as transformative and in line with the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement’s commitment to pioneering infrastructure that spurs positive change. He highlighted the project’s objectives, encompassing the enhancement of mobile network coverage, information distribution, telecommunications infrastructure, and the promotion of economic and social progress. He said This aligns with the country’s aspiration to bridge the digital divide and realize the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlighting the results of an independent financial review, Prime Minister Sogavare said the project boasts an impressive internal rate of return of 8.86% (surpassing the 8% benchmark) and a financial net present value of CNY 495.6 million. Confident in the project’s financial sustainability, Sogavare stated, “The project would generate sufficient revenues for the Government to fully repay both the principal loan amount and interest costs within the loan period.” The initiative’s benefits span beyond economics, encompassing contributions to education, healthcare, labor productivity, and national development. He said the partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China marks a historic financial collaboration. The Prime Minister affirmed his government’s commitment to development, pledging unwavering dedication to securing a prosperous future for the nation. He dismissed concerns of debt traps and misinformation, asserting the nation’s focus on progress.
Despite the project’s ambition, critics are suggesting satellite services like Starlink and Kacific as more cost-effective options should also be considered in addition to building towers.
With OPMC Press Secretariat
