Press Release
24th April 2026
Public Hearings Concluded for Malaita Roads Upgrade
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is pleased to announce steady progress toward upgrading Malaita Roads. These transformative investments will see the sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu, alongside the rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road between Baratalo and Atori. They were added to the World Bank-funded Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) through the Additional Financing approved in February 2025 and will be delivered to climate-resilient standards.
These are currently at the evaluation stage, with the recommended contractor for each road to be confirmed upon completion of all procurement requirements.
In preparation for the construction, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) recently conducted public hearings to present findings from the Public Environment Report and gather feedback from stakeholders, community members, and individuals who may be affected by the development.
The hearings were held on 18th and 19th April 2026 in the communities of Fouo, Kwaiafa, Fera’abu, Fabaratalo, Fote, and Buma. Community members were encouraged to provide feedback during the sessions or through written submissions, which may also be submitted to the Director of the Environment and Conservation Division under MECDM within fourteen days following the respective meetings.
Permanent Secretary of MID, Allan Lilia, emphasized the importance of community participation, stating:
“Community consultations and engagements are critical to SIRAP2. We want to ensure that the voices of our people are heard and reflected in both its design and implementation. Their input helps us identify potential concerns early and deliver the works that truly benefit the communities they serve. These road upgrades are not just about upgrading infrastructure, but about improving livelihoods. Better roads will support access to markets, health services, education, and other essential services, particularly for our rural communities in Malaita.”
The upgrade will deliver key improvements to support all-weather access and enhance road safety. Works will include construction of improved drainages and culverts, road sealing in selected sections, slope stabilization, and road safety improvements.
Upon completion, the upgraded roads are expected to strengthen connectivity and improve accessibility for communities across Malaita Province, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.
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