THE World Bank-funded Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Projects (SIRAP) in Malaita Province will be officially handed over to the province next month.
The completed projects include the North Corridor Road, Bio 1 Bridge, Bio 2 Bridge and Koa Bridge.
The announcement was made by Malaita Premier Elijah Asilaua at the Revised 2024/2025 Budget Meeting in the Provincial Assembly last week.
Premier Asilaua reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the World Bank through the SIRAP programme, which has successfully completed the North Corridor Road and the above-mentioned bridges.
He confirmed that these projects would be officially handed over in February.
In addition, Premier Asilaua highlighted the completion of the first 21 kilometers of the East Corridor Road under SIRAP.
He said the next section of the road, which spans another 22-kilometres to Atori, has already been approved for additional funding, with procurement procedures currently underway for its construction.
Premier Asilaua also informed the assembly about SIRAP’s ongoing support for the South Corridor Road, including the Bira and Su’u Harbour bridges.
Construction is currently in progress by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Ltd, which aims to improve transport connections for local communities.
Furthermore, Premier Asilaua emphasised his government’s collaboration with various development partners, including the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation Project (SARTP), Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE), Solomon Islands Knowledge Action Sustainability (SOLKAS), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and some (Non-Government Organisations) NGOs.
These partnerships are contributing to addressing climate change issues and supporting the broader development of Malaita.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
