THE Chinatown Road section in the Western Provincial Capital Gizo will undergo upgrading works as of next year.
This was announced by the Western Provincial Premier Billy Veo on Monday at the opening of the Full Assembly Meeting.
He said the road works will be undertaken by World Bank through the CAUSE Project.
He said the Gizo Chinatown road section, which was negotiated with CAUSE Project Phase II is now confirmed to be implemented next year 2025 when the project commences.
“Thanks to World Bank for their positive response,” Premier Veo said.
He added, that regrettably, it could not be extended further.
“But as recipients, we are thankful that at least a section of the Gizo Chinatown Road will be addressed,” Premier Veo said.
Premier Veo also informed the Assembly that the recent procurement of a backhoe machine, which is now in Gizo is providing much-needed machinery to deal with minor road maintenance and the filling of potholes.
He aadded, his government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is assessing the Gizo roads to provide the scope of work and potential costs.
“Our MID engineer has been tasked to undertake an assessment of the roads and provide a scope of works and potential costs so that these can be shared with our partners for their perusal and possible positive feedback.”
Premier Veo said the ACAREA government continues to seek opportunities through its donor partners for addressing these key infrastructures.
“DFAT has been sounded out as well as PRC,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Noro roads project under Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP) is well underway.
This is despite some early challenges especially with the Pari land issue, the premier said,
“The matter has now been resolved by the courts and work is progressing well.
He added there are other challenges, which the Lands Division will need to deal with, especially some shady land allocations which affect the part of the Noro Road in front of Noro Lodge and going towards the Tuna Park.
“This needs to be dealt with promptly so that it does not affect the project on that section of the road.”
Premier Veo said SIRAP has already communicated with the Commissioner of Lands and the Western Provincial Government (WPG) on the matter and they will need to move quickly and address the matter before it causes unnecessary delays.
“Some options have already been discussed and we will see how we can progress those in order to resolve the matter,” he added.
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
