In the past few lives have been lost due to poor bridge infrastructures along the West Kwara’ae road in Malaita.
This was highlighted by Malaita’s Deputy Premier, Randol Sifoni during the official opening and handover ceremony of the three newly constructed bridges on Tuesday.
“If we reflect on the past, we remember how our bridges would often collapse due to severe flash floods.
“In those times, transporting critically ill people—our fathers, mothers, children, brothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, and grandparents—to Kilu’ufi Hospital was a race against time.
“Tragically, some lost their lives due to delays along the way. It was a heartbreaking reality for our people,” Sifoni recalled.
Because of this the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) has expressed its gratitude to the World Bank and the Solomon Islands Government for funding support towards the improvement of the Bio 1, Bio 2, and Koa bridges.
Sifoni emphasized that the completion of the event symbolized the successful partnership between the World Bank and the Solomon Islands Government, facilitated through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) under the SIRAP 1 program.
Sifoni also praised the collaboration between the government and contractors, calling it a strong example of an effective partnership.
The project transformed aging wooden bridges into durable, prefabricated steel structures, significantly improving road connections to the northern, eastern, southern, and central regions of Malaita.
The event was also attended by Manasseh Maelanga, Minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Naoki Kakuta, representative from the World Bank, Allan Lilia, MID Permanent Secretary, along with his staff, Alwyn Danitofea, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Project contractor representatives, Executive members of the Malaita Provincial Government, Community advisory committee members, Church leaders, resource owners, and surrounding community members.
Its understood Member of Parliament (MP) for West Kwara’ae Alfred Tuasulia is currently overseas and was unable to witness the event.
The completion of these bridges marks a major step forward in infrastructure development for Malaita, ensuring safer and more reliable transportation for local communities.
By Solomon Lofana
Solomon Star, Auki
