THE groundbreaking ceremony for the much-awaited China-funded Auki Road tar seal project is scheduled for this Wednesday.
The multi-million-dollar project, which was agreed upon between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China in 2023, is part of national efforts to improve the state of infrastructures in the country.
Before the end of last year, the project contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) arrived in Auki and commenced preparations with the establishment of a campsite near the Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School.
Malaita Province Premier Elijah Asilaua confirmed to Solomon Star in an interview that the groundbreaking ceremony will take place on March 5.
Premier Asilaua expressed excitement about the event, stating that his government is eager to participate in this historic occasion.
Senior officials from both the Solomon Islands Government and China are expected to attend.
Premier Asilaua said he was informed that the groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, other Cabinet Ministers, government officials and the Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming and his delegation.
The Auki Road tar seal project will cover a 9.5-kilometre stretch of road in the Malaita Provincial Capital, starting from Kiluufi Hospital to as far as the Kwaibala Bridge.
It is understood that CCECC is on-site preparing for the commencement of the actual work on the project.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomons Star, Auki
