MCA Launches Million-Dollar Telecenter for Malaita

By Lachlan Eddie

The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) on Tuesday launched Malaita Province’s Telecenter at Malu’u Station in the Northern Region, marking a significant milestone in Solomon Islands’ digital transformation.

The project is housed at Arnon Atomea Provincial Secondary School.

In his keynote address, MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea revealed that over the past two years, the ministry has delivered million dollars in infrastructure and telecommunications projects to Malaita Province.

“The cost of this telecenter is approximately $1.6 million SBD,” Danitofea said, describing the facility as a transformative project in the telecommunications sector.

The Malu’u Telecenter represents the first innovation hub in Solomon Islands. MCA plans to hand over a second facility in Choiseul Province soon, with eight additional centers planned for construction across the country.

“From here, we will be going straight to Choiseul Province to launch another handover for Choiseul Bay Provincial School,” Danitofea said. “We will be delivering another eight innovation hubs in Solomon Islands.”

Danitofea emphasized that the facilities are innovation hubs rather than simply Information and Communication Technology (ICT) centers, reflecting their broader purpose beyond basic internet access.

The Malaita Provincial Government has welcomed the telecenter as a catalyst for digital transformation.

Deputy Premier Honorable Randol Sifoni said Malaita is fortunate to receive the facility, expressing confidence that the network of centers will drive innovation across Solomon Islands.

The telecenter is expected to boost the local economy by providing business services, educational resources, and transforming the rural digital landscape in Malaita Province.

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