AUSTRALIA has withdrawn funding from the Buala Wharf Redevelopment project just seven months after signing the MOU for the $20 million, project.
And more could follow, as Canberra brings geopolitics full on, sources familiar with the decision told Solomon Star.
Premier Hon. Lawrence Hayward said, he was aware of the decision, describing it as “very disappointing’,
“We are very disappointed, that’s the only way to describe it,” the Premier said.
The Solomon Star contacted the Australian High Commission in Honiara for comments.
In response the Australian High Commission Office said, “Thank you for contacting the AHC for comment.
“We are disappointed that we cannot proceed with the Buala Wharf project at this time due to a very large increase in projected costs for the project.
“We are pleased that the new Buala Market will be delivered as planned later this year, creating more economic opportunities for the people of Isabel.
Under the Australia-Solomon Islands Partnership, we continue to work with the government and people of Solomon Islands to support locally-driven infrastructure priorities.
“Australia is the largest supporter of infrastructure in Solomon Islands – in dollar terms, longevity, quality, and reach to every single province.
“Over the last five years, Australia has supported 33 infrastructure projects in Isabel Province alone, and 539 in total across all of Solomon Islands,” the High Commission Office said.
Australia signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Isabel Provincial Government for the multi-million-dollar project on 7th November 2024.
The wharf is the main import-export point for Isabel and the surrounding islands, as well as connecting passengers with other provinces, according to a media statement issued at the time.
Premier Hayward said at the signing ceremony the project was “one of the biggest ever done in Isabel Province since independence and was a game changer for Isabel’s economic future.
“A larger, more reliable wharf facility will increase economic activity and opportunities for Buala and Isabel for passenger and cargo shipping,” Premier Hayward said.
“The existing wharf 37 years old and is in poor condition. This restricts the size of ships that can use it,” he said.
“Sometimes up to six vessels can be waiting for a place to berth, and in king tides, the wharf can become unsafe and unusable.”
“On behalf of the Isabel people, we convey our gratitude, especially for including climate resilient in the wharf design which will make the new wharf last longer.”
Australian High Commissioner HE Rod Hilton said the MOU represented the continuation of a long-term infrastructure partnership with Solomon Islands that supports both provincial and national infrastructure priorities.
“With the Buala Wharf Redevelopment MoU now in place, we’ll get on with the job of working together to design and deliver a safe, sustainable and climate resilient wharf for the people of Isabel,” Mr Hilton said.
Australia has already undertaken an assessment of the wharf’s condition and future shipping needs. The new wharf will integrate future shipping needs, resilience to climate change and natural disasters, and safety for passengers and cargo, including people with disabilities.
Over the coming weeks a drilling team will take ground samples around the existing wharf and conduct a UXO survey. Australia is also supporting a technical design team to meet with community, government and shipping representatives to finalise a redevelopment design for partner governments to consider early next year.
The wharf redevelopment will connect with the new Buala Market, currently under construction as part of Australia’s Provincial Market Redevelopment Project, the Australian High Commissioner said.
Then Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, said the two projects demonstrated the value of the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline.
“Our Pipeline is helping to guide significant investment and support from the Solomon Islands Government and our development partners,” Hon Maelanga said.
“Since independence, Australia has worked side by side with Solomon Islands on infrastructure development. The Buala Wharf Redevelopment Project will be the largest infrastructure project for Isabel Province, and importantly, focus on climate change resilience.”
High Commissioner Hilton said he was excited by the huge economic potential of a new market and wharf for the people of Isabel.
“Our focus, as always, will be quality, climate resilience and creating as many jobs and economic opportunities along the way for Solomon Islands,” Mr Hilton said in the media statement issued on 07 November 2024.
The project is part of the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), which aims to improve maritime connectivity and economic development in the region.
“The new wharf will be designed to be resilient to climate change and natural disasters, and will also include features for safety and accessibility,” the Minister said then.
By Alfred Sasako
