Press Release
20th October 2023
Road and Bridge Upgrades in Malaita Make Progress
Investments in Malaita under the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) are progressing well. Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government with support from the World Bank, both projects are continuing to improve the safety and resilience of Malaita’s transport network.
Much needed upgrades to three bridges on Malaita’s North Road – Koa, Bio 1, and Bio 2 are ongoing and expected to be completed by the contractor, Reeves Envico, by early 2024. Bio 1 and Bio 2 Bridges are being replaced using the InQuik bridge system, an in-situ poured semi-modular reinforced concrete bridge system. This is the first use of the InQuik system in the Pacific and enables fast and effective construction. Koa Bridge is being replaced by a reinforced concrete bridge.
In addition, the maintenance and upgrading of 17 kilometers of Malaita’s North Road from Gwanaru’u Junction to Forcim Market is also progressing well. Vegetation clearing, flushing, and pressure blasting culverts and drainage channels has already been completed. A local firm, Exodus Trade Development Limited, has been contracted to undertake the works. Both Malaita projects are supervised by SMEC with their team based in Auki.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Stephen Maesiola said the road rehabilitation and the bridges will open easier access to health and education services while ensuring Malaitans are better connected to businesses and to each other. PS Maesiola said, “I am proud to see this work being carried out through the Ministry and would like to thank the World Bank for funding the bridges alongside the rest of SIRAP and SIRAP2.”
SIRAP2 is also constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), providing upgrades to Honiara Airport and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, providing investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.
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