For almost five years before COVID-19 hits the country, businesses and residents of Noro in Western Province have been complaining about the poor road condition.
It has been one of the long standing issues where public vehicles, private and other bigger companies have been affected.
Speaking to this paper via phone interview, Lemu Darcy, a member of the Noro Community said, that if you ever travel inside the Noro town, there are many potholes and the roads are in poor state.
It’s a sad situation because Noro town is one of the top industrial centres in the province and the country, apart from Honiara.
She said responsible Member of the Parliament (MP) to help to source help to improve infrastructures.
“Noro is still the best centre in the country.
“However one thing that has been overlooked is that Noro hosted many of the bigger companies in the country like Soltuna, National Fisheries Development (NFD), International Port and others.”
She said, one company in Noro usually pays 20 to 40 million in taxes to the National Government.
“How much more if all the companies in Noro combine to pay millions of taxes to the government but simple development such as improving of roads and other tangible infrastructures here in Noro is still slow,” she said
Another Noro resident and a prominent leader, Nelson Boso said the government should prioritise Noro road because this is where the international port and airport are located and also a commercial/industrial town for the province.
“I could not agree more on this and other services that our government fails Noro.
“What we need more than before is a very proactive Town Council that must free itself from the drags of administrative and political mandates.
“We must be seen and heard by the tick of the clock. Our biggest stumbling block is procrastination.
“However, relevant authorities need to step up and carefully address this issue,” Boso said.
Another private vehicle owner said they also spent alot of money on spare parts for their vehicles just because of the road condition.
“I think this is not good and must not be repeated this year.”
On the note, the driver urges the new premier, responsible leaders and the National Government to address the matter.
Noro road was tar sealed with first coat of tar by a company in the late 1980s.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
