THE Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga has announced the upcoming sealing of a 12 km road section in West Kwara’ae, which will enhance connectivity and support local development.
The tar-sealing project will commence from Gwaunaru’u to Kwaisuliniu.
Minister Maelanga made the announcement last week at the official opening of the Bi’o and Koa bridges, which are part of the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 1).
In addition to the road tar sealing, Minister Maelanga revealed that the project will also involve routine maintenance and re-gravelling along a 21 km stretch of the East Malaita road network. This initiative will include targeted upgrades to bolster climate resilience and improve road safety.
As part of the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project Phase 2 (SIRAP 2), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) will also oversee the construction of four additional bridges in Malaita.
These include two bridges in the northern region—Kolofe 1 and Kolofe 2—and two on the Malaita South Road—Su’u and Bira.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been awarded the contract for these projects and mobilisation efforts have already begun.
CCECC was also awarded the contract to tar seal Auki roads from Kwaibala-Kilu’ufi and feeder road networks within the growing town. Actual road works are expected to begin once their base camp at Aligegeo School ground is completed.
Routine maintenance road works along the South Road (Kwaibala-Mao’a) under the Australian-funded Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) are also ongoing by local Trades Transformation Company (TTC).
“I want to reassure the people of Malaita that the government is committed to supporting development and fostering economic activity in the province,” Minister Maelanga stated.
The government’s continuous investment in Malaita’s infrastructure is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, creating jobs and improving connectivity for rural communities.
– MID
