THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) has responded to claims made by the Leader of the Opposition, Matthew Wale, who expressed strong objections to the manner in which ADB and the government are managing the upgrade of the old Honiara international wharf in Honiara.
In a statement last week, Wale said, originally agreed at SBD 240 million, the project cost has now skyrocketed to approximately SBD 700 million, despite being seven years overdue with no construction yet underway.
The funding arrangement splits costs equally, with ADB covering 50% and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority funding the remaining 50%.
“There is absolutely no justification for this budget blowout. The government must immediately terminate the funding agreement with ADB and allow the Solomon Islands Ports Authority to take full control of the project,” Wale said.
DBIn response, said, ADB is supporting the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) in its upgrade of the International Honiara Port through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project which is designed to improve connectivity, efficiency, and disaster resilience of the transportation network in Solomon Islands.
“The project was approved for ADB financing in June 2021 and is implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
“To date project efforts are progressing well, with significant portions already completed in both the road and maritime components,” the statement said.
ADB further explained that the contract for the maritime component of the project was awarded in March 2023, and includes the upgrade of the Honiara Port and the construction of two wharves at Ahanga and Kira Kira.
“The contract value for the upgrade of the Honiara Port is SBD 248 million.
“Under the maritime component, the upgrade of the Kira Kira and Ahanga wharves are progressing well, with June 2025 and July 2026 as respective target completion dates.
“The proposed redesign of the Honiara Port upgrade is currently under review by SIG to accommodate additional areas of the existing wharf that are degraded and in need of replacement or rehabilitation,” ADB clarified.
Any change to the project scope and timeline will be finally determined by SIG, in consultation with ADB, the statement said.
Implementation of the road component in Guadalcanal is well underway. Pavement work and asphalt surfacing have been completed for 21.8 km and drainage and culvert installation completed for 12 km.
Drainage and service relocations, underground drainage and piped network are close to completion.
ADB is committed to working with all stakeholders to deliver quality infrastructure and services that meet the needs of its developing member countries.
