PARTS of the Malaita Province’s Auki-Atori Road remains in atrocious conditions after emergency repair funding of $6 million was reportedly approved for the task last month.
Up to last year, this section of the road was contracted to the Member of Parliament (MP) for East Malaita. Transport fare rose to $300 per passenger each way.
Now, a new contractor has reportedly been given the multi million-dollar contract. It is unclear whether work has begun. It is understood part of the problem is to do with lack of proper machinery and equipment to repair the road.
As it is, East Malaia, East Kwaio and Fataleka remain cut off as there are no regular shipping. Atoifi airstrip which provides the only airlink with Honiara was closed down a month ago.
By Alfred Sasako
Photo caption: This photograph was taken last Wednesday as this vehicle battled its way to Auki from Atori.
