UP to $15 million has been paid by the government as compensation to residents and companies with property along the main Kukum Highway, to pave way for the new highway project to roll.
The road project funded by the Japanese Government was expected to kick-off last year but was delayed.
Infrastructure Permanent Secretary, Henry Murray said the payment was made under the government’s obligation apart from the funded money meant for the project.
Mr Murray said the payment allowed the completion of formalities for the project to start.
“Delay to the project is mainly due to this issue but now that this is settled, we expect to commence the project soon,” he said.
He said the whole road project itself cost almost up to $200 million; whilst the compensation cost is paid for by the national government.
Mr Murray said amongst those paid are companies including Solomon Water that has its office building encroached into the proposed road expansion area.
He said the road project begins at the Honiara City Council roundabout up to the Kukum SDA, east of Honiara.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
