ONGOING minor road repair works led by JED Enterprise Company Ltd have brought noticeable relief to residents in West Gizo, Western Province.
This came after commuters and farmers have long endured deteriorating road conditions.
The initiative followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Western Province Investment Corporation (WPIC), under the Western Provincial Government, and JED Company Ltd.
The deal which grants approval for gravel extraction from the provincial site at Mile 2 for the JFK Stadium, also includes provisions for minor road maintenance on routes suffering from stress and surface degradation.
According to scope of the work in the MOU agreement it stated that;
– Excavation and transportation of gravel materials from an agreed source.
– Re-graveling, reshaping and compaction from identified road chainages as guided by WPG Technical team.
– Specific locations within these roads, Banana Valley Highway, Gizo Island road to the Quarry site, Gizo main truck road, SSEC Road to JFK Stadium Feeder road.
-In addition, other designated road sections will require stock pilling of gravels only.
– Adherence to technical speculations provided by Ministry of Development (MID) or WPG.
The side project, which focuses on filling potholes and levelling uneven road surfaces from Mile 2 extra dumpsite to Banana Valley has been warmly welcomed—especially by those in the western part of the township.
Speaking to Solomon Star a local resident voiced appreciation for the much-needed improvements.
“It’s not a full upgrade, but these small repairs have made a big difference.
“We used to struggle with potholes, especially when it rained,” John Wale, a public transport vehicle owner from Paelonge, West Gizo said.
Local business owners and public transportation operators have echoed similar sentiments, saying that the repairs are reducing wear and tear on vehicles and making access easier for customers.
“Even these small works show that something is being done. We hope it continues,” a daily market and seaweed vendor from Mile Six said.
Other residents living in the western outskirts also pointed out that the road maintained by JED has not seen any work from other contractors or the provincial government for the past 15 years.
JED Project Manager Frank Lui confirmed the company’s willingness to assist the province beyond their primary mandate, saying the work is being done free of charge.
“While our main focus is upgrading the JFK Stadium under a FIFA-funded project, we are happy to help the province with minor road maintenance at no cost,” Mr. Lui said.
He explained that gravel extracted from the Mile 2 site—approved under the MOU—will be used for backfilling at the JFK playing field.
At the same time, the company is using some of the materials to patch up roads from the gravel pit to the Banana Valley road in Gizo.
“Unlike some local contractors, we are doing this from the heart. We are not charging anything. Even though it’s not our primary mission, we’re glad to help,” Mr. Lui added.
JED Company continues to work closely with local authorities to identify critical areas and ensure road repairs are carried out efficiently and with minimal disruption to the community.
For now, West Gizo including Titiana and far as Saeragi residents remain hopeful that the momentum of these minor improvements will lead to more sustainable, long-term infrastructure solutions in the future.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
