Press Release 28th November 2025 Progress Advancing on Key Bridge Works in Malaita Province. Significant progress has been made on constructing four new bridges in Malaita Province under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). These works are part of the Solomon Islands Government’s broader efforts to improve road safety, strengthen climate resilience, and enhance year-round connectivity for communities. Construction works have now reached 87 percent physical completion. At Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges on South Road, key milestones include deck girder and slab construction, scour protection, embankment works, and concrete pavement on one side of Bira Bridge. At Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges on North Road, piling, abutments, wing walls, deck girders, scour protection, and deck panel installation have been completed. Across all four bridges, guard rails and concrete barriers are currently being installed, alongside paving of the remaining approach at Bira Bridge. The next phase of works will deliver concrete barriers, approach slabs and road pavement, signage, and markings across all bridges, with final deck girder and slab works scheduled for Kolofe2 Bridge. These finishing activities will ensure the structures meet international standards for safety and durability. Permanent Secretary of MID, Allan Lilia, welcomed the progress, stating, “These bridge upgrades are critical for ensuring safer and more reliable access for our people. We appreciate the strong partnership between the Government, the World Bank, Project Support Team, Contractor, and Supervision Consultant in delivering these climate-resilient investments. The progress achieved so far reflects our shared commitment to improving connectivity and supporting long-term development across Malaita.” In addition to these bridges, SIRAP2 is also advancing major infrastructure upgrades nationwide, including Noro roads, Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, Honiara and Munda International Airports, air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu, regional airport maintenance, rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 km of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction. End//////