Press Release.
22nd February 2024
Access Restored for 19 Kilometers of East Road
Maintenance and upgrades are progressing well for 21 kilometres of Malaita’s East Road from Dala. The upgrades are supported by the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and are being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.
The local contractor, Trades Transformation Company Limited, has removed obstacles and almost completed all emergency works including clearing, spot repairs, and gravelling. In addition to the emergency works, the contractor has re-gravelled 5 kilometres of East Road from Dala’s Forcim Market. As a result of these works under SIRAP, access has been restored for 19 kilometres of the East Road.
While the works have been affected by severe weather, significant effort has been made to fully utilize available working weather conditions. Last week, a World Bank team visited the sites on the North and East Roads commending the progress made in the face of challenging weather conditions.
Communities along the East Road and beyond have also expressed support and appreciation for the ongoing works and a Community Advisory Committee is now being established to ensure communities near the works and along the roads remain informed, engaged, and have opportunities to raise any issues with the contractor. The creation of the Community Advisory Committee supports the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s mission statement to “enhance the prosperity and participation of the community level on a voluntary basis.”
Allan Lilia, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development said, “these upgrades will improve connectivity, support trade and promote commercial activity by facilitating the movement of goods and services. They will also provide safer and more efficient access to markets, social services, and medical attention for the people of East Malaita.”
In addition to SIRAP, the World Bank supported SIRAP2 is also constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe 1, Kolofe 2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrading roads in Noro, providing upgrades to Honiara, Munda, and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airports, upgrading air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.
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