The Solomon Islands Government has secured funding for the construction of a new stadium in Honiara.
The Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the $US35 million ($SBD277 million) would cover the costs of a new national stadium if the National Olympic Committee's bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games is successful.
He said all that is left to do is for him to travel overseas to seal the arrangement and the funding source will be announced after everything is finalised.
Manasseh Sogavare Photo: RNZI Koroi Hawkins
Mr Sogavare said never before in the history of Solomon Islands has the whole country been united for a common objective as they have for the bid to host the games.
"I stand here on behalf of the people of this country as their Prime Minister to declare to you that the Solomon Islands Government under the leadership of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government is fully, fully committed to support the bid by NOCSI to host the 17th Pacific Games both in words and deeds."
The Prime Minister also announced that as of next year, the Government will make an annual budgetary allocation towards its Comprehensive Sports Infrastructure Development Programme so that by 2023, Solomon Islands has in place proper sporting facilities.
French Polynesia has also indicated its desire to host the 2023 event after missing out to Tonga in the bidding process for the 2019 event.