Press Release
16th February 2024
Malaita – Maintenance and Upgrades to North Road Back on Track Following Heavy Rain
Maintenance and upgrades are progressing well for 17 kilometres of Malaita’s North Road from Gwaunaru’u Junction to the intersection with the Malaita East Road at Dala near Forcim Market. The upgrade is supported by the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and is being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
The local contractor Exodus Trade Development Limited has resumed work after the festive season and is now working on the clearing of vegetation and road improvement works including new drainage, concrete pavement, and permanent road signage. The drainage works include the installation of culverts and the construction of concrete lined drainage systems. In addition to these works, the contractor has also completed spot upgrades, routine maintenance, maintenance of slopes, road widening, and the clearing of litter and obstacles.
Since works began in July 2023, there have been challenges associated with heavy rain that have delayed works. However, the works are now progressing well, with maintenance and upgrades scheduled to be completed by April 2024.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the MID, Allan Lilia said, “The government is committed to improving roads in Malaita and around the country and encourage people living along the roads to corporate with contractors as the works continue. These upgrades will ease burdens for local communities while improving access to markets and social services in Auki. This will create benefits for Malaitans that the Ministry is proud to be supporting”, he further added.
The World Bank is also supporting the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), which is constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges); upgrading roads in Noro; providing upgrades to Honiara, Munda, and Santa Cruz Airports; upgrading air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces; and supporting airport maintenance.
End//
