THE Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Council, Dr Culwick Togamana MP, has congratulated China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for winning SINU Panatina multi-million dollar Project.

At the same time, Dr Togamana said it was his hope that the Project “won’t be our last association in this endeavour”.

Dr Togamana was speaking at the SINU campus yesterday on the occasion of ground breaking ceremony which marks the construction of SINU’s Panatina complex.

“Today marks a significant milestone in the short and humble history of the Solomon Islands National University. Without doubt this may be the largest single construction project at SINU and perhaps in the country,” he told the gathering.

The project would cost around $120 million when it’s completed 28 months from now.

“This is indeed a significant investment for SINU and of course a step in the right direction to achieving Goal 5 of the University “Strategic Plan 2016 to 2020 … to provide the best facilities possible to meet the operational demands of the University,” he said.

Dr Togamana also thanked the DCC Government for supporting the Panatina Project, adding funding assistance by government is crucial. SINU, he said, would continue to seek funding assistance from the DCC Government for the successful completion of the project within the agreed timeframe.

“At this juncture let me congratulate Mr Chen Sichang, the Vice President of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for your company’s successful bid through the tender process to undertake the construction of this Project.

“Sir, this infrastructure project is the first of its kind for the University since its inception in 2013 and we are indeed fortunate to have this association with your corporation, a company that has international reputation and commendation worldwide,” Dr Togamana said.

“I know this is your first business engagement at SINU and also in the Solomon Islands and I pray that this won’t be our last association in this endeavour.”

He also acknowledged the technical support provided by the Management and Staff of Kramer Ausenco for guiding the University through the preliminary stages of the Project.

 

Meanwhile CCECC’s Vice President, Chen Sichang, has thanked the government, the SINU Council and Kramer Ausenco for showing “great trust and confidence by awarding this significant and historical project to CCECC”.

“The SINU Project is CCECC’s first undertaking in Solomon Islands and hopefully not the last as the Company believes it can sustain a mutually-beneficial presence in this country.

“On our part, CCECC will help boost the local economy by maximizing procurement of local materials and collaborating with local suppliers and contractors and perform our social responsibility,” Mr Chen said.

“Furthermore, I am glad to assure you, distinguished guests that CCECC will bring a professional technical and management team including skilled workers to ensure that construction of the SINU buildings will be of the highest standard.

“As well, a firm construction program has been drawn up reflecting actual construction conditions to ensure the project is delivered on schedule and within budget,” he said.

Mr Chen said he believed that everyone would work together to realise “this great project for the benefit of the citizens of this wonderful nation.”