WORK on the Kukum Highway Upgrading Project is expected to start mid this year, according to Permanent Secretary Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Henry Murray.
Japan is funding the multi-million dollar road project, which will see the upgrading of the three kilometre road from Honiara City Council to the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources head office at Kukum.
After facing hiccups on its actual plan framework to kick off a year ago, it’s now promised to commence mid this year.
PS Murray said signing of the grant agreement for the major road project is expected be sometimes in May this year.
“This grant signing will be in Tokyo, Japan and I will travel there personally to sign on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government,” he said.
He informed the Solomon Star that pre-qualification to the tender process for potential contractors in Japan has been made.
“It’s up to them to decide which ever of those pre-qualified be chosen with their bid to do the job,” he said.
He clarified that the delay in implementing the project was due mainly to administrative matters which have been addressed.
“All formalities and outstanding issues have been resolved; the only thing left is for the actual signing agreement between the two governments, Japan and Solomon Islands, including the assigned contractor.
“This will be expected this May and the actual work to kick off around June or July,” said the Permanent Secretary.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
