CHINA Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) is expected to begin improving the existing 4-lane road from the Central Market through to White River in Honiara.
This project will commence once the removal of pipelines belonging to Solomon Water, Solomon Power and Our Telekom is completed.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Permanent Secretary Stephen Maesiola confirmed this decision in response to public criticisms regarding the deteriorating road conditions caused by heavy rain in recent weeks.
Mr Maesiola explained that the ministry is unable to properly improve the road due to the high cost involved, which amounts to millions of dollars.
As a result, he said other contractors have temporarily upgraded the road after rainstorms whilst waiting for CCECC to properly improve the road.
The road improvement project from Honiara Central Market to White River is part of the $1.4 billion SBD (USD170m) funding secured by the government in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
This initiative is part of the Land and Marine Connectivity Project, which includes the rehabilitation of the old Honiara International Port, construction of the Honiara Domestic Port and the establishment of two provincial ports – one in Kirakira in Makira-Ulawa Province and the other in Ahanga in Renbel Province.
CCECC has almost completed the improvement of the two-lane road from the Honiara International Airport to Mberande as part of this project.
Owner of Solomon Motor, Craig Day has called on the Caretaker Minister of MID Manasseh Maelanga to urgently intervene and establish a plan for the rectification of the road system.
Mr Day urged Maelanga to seek immediate approval from the Caretaker Cabinet to reduce the government fuel tax by 50 percent so that fuel retailers can compensate their customers for the extra fuel consumption and vehicle damage caused by the poor road conditions.
Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has criticized the current state of the Honiara Road network, describing it as a reflection of a sick government and a struggling economy.
Wale acknowledged the contributions of donor partners to road infrastructure but expressed concern over the poor conditions of roads in the Central Business District (CBD), particularly the neglected potholes.
He emphasized the need for better quality work and competence in engaging contractors for road projects.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
