Press Release
12th August 2025
Design Phase Commences for Malaita Roads Upgrade Under SIRAP2
The design phase for the Malaita Roads Improvement commenced on May 16, 2025, marking a pivotal milestone in the Solomon Islands’ commitment to enhancing rural road infrastructure under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). Supported by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), this initiative is set to deliver safer, more resilient road access across Malaita Province.
A joint technical mission comprising representatives from the design and supervision consultant Egis, MID, and the SIRAP2 Project Support Team conducted site inspection in Malaita from July 23, 2025, to July 25, 2025. The visit ensured that the road designs reflect local development priorities and community needs, reaffirming the project’s commitment to inclusive and participatory planning processes.
The road improvement works will focus on Malaita’s North and East Roads. Under the completed Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP), three new bridges (Koa, Bio1, and Bio2 Bridges) on North Road were replaced, and routine maintenance and regravelling (including upgrading key vulnerable spots to enhance climate resilience and improving road safety) were provided on 38 km between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Baratoro via Dala Market. To complement these investments, SIRAP2 will seal 12 kilometers of North Road between Auki–Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Junction with double bituminous surface treatment and reinforced concrete pavement in critical areas to ensure year-round access. It will also provide routine maintenance and regravelling and upgrade key vulnerable spots for the remaining 21 km of East Road between Baratoro and Atori to enhance climate resilience and connectivity during rainy seasons.
Egis is currently working on the detailed engineering designs for both corridors. Once the designs are reviewed and approved, the project will move into the procurement phase. It is planned that tender advertisements will be issued in November 2025, followed by the awarding of contracts to the successful bidders in February 2026. Construction is expected to commence shortly thereafter.
“The East and North Road upgrades are not only essential for improving access and mobility in Malaita Province but also reflect our government’s broader commitment to equitable development across the country,” said Allan Lilia, the Permanent Secretary of MID. “We are pleased to work alongside our partners and local stakeholders to ensure these works are designed and delivered to benefit our people for the long term,” he further stated.
Beyond the Malaita Road corridors, SIRAP2 is advancing a wide range of infrastructure investments across Solomon Islands. These include the construction of Noro Roads Improvement and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, installation of air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces and maintenance of regional airports.
End//
