Despite wet weather in Solomon Islands on Tuesday 17th October 2023, thousands from Munda’s surrounding villages of Kindu and Dunde, as well as others who travelled from Rendova, New Georgia and even Gizo braved the weather to witness the opening of the new Munda International terminal building in Munda. Solomons Prime Minister Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, VIP’s and guests boarded the A320 in Honiara, a 35-minute flight to Munda, which was the first officially flight to land on the new Munda International terminal to signify the officially opening of the airport. The Flight also included over 100 fare paying passengers, who were allowed for a clearance of a massive backlog of passengers and cargo. Guests at the opening of the new International Airport also included Members of Parliament, Members of the Western Provincial Assembly, Diplomatic Corps, Heads of Governmental Departments, State Owned Enterprises, Tourism Solomons Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Fiona Teama and Team Leader Product Marketing, Mr. Garedd Porowai as well as other supporting organizations. In the opening Remarks, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Moses Virivolomo stated that the opening of the terminal is a major development milestone for Solomon Islands, and he thanked the partners for their continues support. “The project has now come to completion with the opening of the terminal today and this was made possible with the help of these supporters, CCEC, China United, New Zealand Government, British Government, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.” Mr Virivolomo further urged residents of Munda to be proud of the new facilities and to care of the terminal facilities. “The current SIDRAP Phase 2 project is also looking at upgrades and improvements to other domestic runways in Makira-Ulawa Province and Temotu Province”, he also added. Furthermore the keynote speech during the official opening was delivered by the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Honorable Manasseh D. Sogavare, who congratulate the Minister of Communications and Aviation, Honorable Ped Shanel Agovaka on his ministry’s contribution and commitment to making this a success. Prime Minister also thanked all involved, particularly the landowning tribes who put aside all disputes to allow Government access to their land for this development. “All Solomon Island tribes must allow access to their land for positive and beneficial developments such as the Munda Terminal, thus such development will also bring in more benefits in the tourism sector.” The event ended with guests being treated to lunch at Agnes Gateway Hotel, accompanied with Congala Bamboo Bands, songs, and Dances.