MEMBERS of the public are calling on the responsible authority to shed some light on how long the water pipeline works carried out by McConnel Dowell along the Prince Philip Highway in East Honiara will be completed.
People are demanding answers from the Solomon Water as to the timeframe for the completion of the pipeline works as the longer that they continue, the road section they are digging up will be closed for use and thus contribute to the traffic congestion in Honiara.
It is understood the project commenced in the first quarter of 2023 before the 17th Pacific Games.
The pipeline works cover the eastward-bound lanes from the Solomon Islands National University School of Marine right up to the shops before the Big Chainsaw in Ranadi, diverting the eastward-bound vehicles to use the inner-lane of the westward-bound lanes, slowing down traffic flow.
Commuters are complaining that the traffic congestions are partly caused by the SIWA pipeline project and demand an explanation from SIWA as to why it is taking McConnell Dowell too long to complete the pipeline works as the longer it takes will only compound the traffic congestion in Honiara.
One of the commuters, Obed Kwaro said, the slowness of the pipeline project is quite concerning as major business companies in Honiara are located in the Ranadi Industrial zone and these companies are affected by the traffic congestion.
Mr Kwaro said, the traffic congestion are caused by potholes as drives tend to drive slowly to avoid potholes and the slowness of the SIWA pipeline project only worsens the traffic congestion situation.
People are also saying that the responsible authority should shed some light on what Mcconell is doing on the road.
“I deem SIWA should shed some light as to how long the pipeline project will take because it started before the Pacific Games and it is still to be completed,” Mr Kwaro said.
Another commuter, Timo Au expressed similar sentiments.
“The people need answers from the responsible authority because the work seems too long to be completed. People need an explanation to understand what is going on.
“I don’t want to paint a bad picture on the contractors, all we need is an explanation from the responsible authority to understand what is going on,” Mr Au said.
Meanwhile, the Solomon Star sent questions to SIWA on Friday last week, seeking answers on the nature of the work carried out by McConnell Dowell and how long will it take to complete, but has not received any response.
By IAN LADDS OSO
Solomon Star, Honiara
