THE Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) has outlined a summary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) policy achievements to date.

The summary was provided to the media during a press conference with policy secretaries of the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet some weeks ago when clarifying much criticism following issued statements and queries during the Public Accounts Committee Hearing before the 2017 budget was passed.

According to the summary, the MCA has repaired two fire engines that were left unattended for six years.

It is a safety requirement that one fire engine must always be on standby.

The MCA has refurbished the international and domestic terminal lavatories and this has been recorded as the first refurbishment since the terminal has ever been in operation and was completed.

In March this year, the Ministry paid subscriptions arrears of almost $2 million to Universal Postal Union that accumulated since 1998.

According to the summary, all rights and assistance ban now has been lifted Postal Corporation to receive assistance paid subscription arrears to the International Civil Aviation Organization in June 2016.

The MCA summary of policy achievements states that Air Services Agreement (ASA) signed with Vanuatu was done in December last year and Singapore in March 2015.

The summary further adds that the request to review for Fiji ASA that submitted in May this year is yet without a response.

Papua New Guinea’s request for an ASA review was approved in Cabinet this year and Air Services Agreement with Kiribati was signed in November this year and arrangements are underway to confirm dates of signing with Emirates, Indonesia and Turkey.

The DCCG policy achievements states that decisions to start these is purely traditional and commercial basis targeting hubs to expand and provide seamless connections to travelers visiting and leaving Solomon Islands.

The Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Ltd (SIACL) registered and interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO), appointed an interim Board, appointed a Chief Financial Officer to prepare accountability documents and a model for pricing imposed on operators and users and will have the launch of a new CEO next year.

This will provide more efficiency in the running and maintenance of airports.

As for the Solomon Islands Sea Cable Company (SISCC), according to the summary, the company has already registered and interim Board and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) post has been advertised.

Huawei has been appointed to deliver the project and the CEO will lead contract negotiations.

The summary also states that the Honiara International Airport upgrade proposal has been submitted to Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).

The summary adds that JICA fielded a Chief Technical Adviser in September this year to look at components to the projects which include the international terminal refurbishment, domestic terminal relocation, apron repairs and expansion, taxiway repairs and extension and the fire station refurbishments.

This project will also provide a secure airport to cater for the 2023 South Pacific Games and forecast in increased tourism and business activities.