The recently renovated SIPF Maritime Unit wharf was handed over to the Solomon Islands Government.
This was marked by the unveiling of a plaque by the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Mr. Peter Hooton, and the Minister for Police and National Security, Hon. Mr. Issac Inoke Tosika.The plaque commemorates the cooperation between Australia and Solomon Islands on the construction of the wharf.
Speaking at the handover, Australian High Commissioner, Peter Hooton, said that the construction and rehabilitation not only signifies help and support to Solomon Islands, but also another example of the substantial ongoing support which has been provided since 1988 when the Solomon Islands was given police vessels.
He adds that the construction and rehabilitation of the wharf has grown out of a strong partnership between the SIPF Maritime Unit and the Australian Defence Force.
Mr. Hooton said it is hoped that the wharf will be useful to other government stakeholders, and guarantee that the wharf is safe, efficient and is capable to birth vessels for another 20 years.
A Royal Australian Engineer Unit, the 19 Chief Engineer Works, was commissioned to refurbish the wharf under Australia's Defence Cooperation Program with the Solomon Islands at a cost of 12 million dollars, funded by the Australian Government.