NINE contractors are currently engaged in maintenance of roads in Temotu Province.
The National Transport Fund (NTF) Secretariat and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development have jointly confirmed this
Under Secretary Technical of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development,Jimmy Nuake said four new contractors newly engaged on road works as of June this year had increased the number to nine in total.
He said the total length of the road contractors have been engaged in maintaining is 54 km.
Mr.Nuake said Solomon Islands and Australian Governments have jointly provided funding for the project.
He said fundings were made through the National Transport Fund (NTF), with technical support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Mr Nuake, said, “despite the challenges paused by remote locations in some parts of the island, the Ministry has been encouraged by the good work by all contractors have done so far.
He said visibly they are making a real difference in the up keep of the roads.
Mr.Nuake said the total cost of the Temotu road maintenance project is SBD$7m.
He said the money is dished out to respective community groups engaged under each contractor.
Mr.Nuake pointed out that the funding for Temotu Province road project is among more than a hundred similar labour based road maintenance project contracts being funded by the NTF across Solomon Islands
“He said their total cost is SBD$74m .
He added that more similar projects are expected to be awarded this year.
He said the good thing about such undertaking is that while the public enjoys the benefit of good running roads, communities engaged in the road works also share the benefit of earning money which helps activate economic activities in their rural settings.
