THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has clarified how road works are managed and outlined the roles of national and donor-funded projects in relation to Gizo’s infrastructure
This followed a Solomon Star report published in April, 2025, which stated that road works under the CAUSE II Project would begin in July this year.
WPG described the report as misleading and was published without proper consultation with either the CAUSE II Project Office in Gizo or the provincial government itself.
In a statement last week, WPG finally came out to explain how road works are managed and outlined the roles of national and donor-funded projects in relation to Gizo’s infrastructure.
WPG stated all national infrastructures, including roads, bridges, wharves, and airports, fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), not provincial governments.
“Provincial governments do not receive budget allocations for national infrastructure maintenance.
“The fixed service grants received from the national government are not intended for road or infrastructure works,” the statement said.
However, WPG said, it has over the years made small allocations under its Works Division for temporary repairs.
“With divisional budgets nearly exhausted for 2025, further road fix allocations will be considered during the midterm review in October,” it explained.
WPG clarified that the CAUSE II Project only commenced in July this year and has captured the main Chinatown road in Gizo.
“The donor-funded project will carry out “chip seal” works on Chinatown road, build the bridge near GRP, and install a drainage system.
“Drainage works are expected to begin later this year, while road sealing will start early in 2026,” the statement said.
Through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) and World Bank’s IEDCR Program, WPG has also budgeted to improve feeder roads from Corner Shop to 49 Junction and Tisi.
The Planning Division will soon begin procurement for these works, pending release of IEDCR funds.
WPG further revealed that SBD$1 million under the national government’s development budget has been earmarked for roads in Western Province.
“At this stage, we are not certain which roads the funds are meant for, but we have instructed the MID engineer to confirm. Our intention is to allocate the entire amount towards Gizo roads,” WPG said.
The government assured it will provide further clarity once advice is received from MID.
“As a provincial government, we do understand the frustrations of citizens and acknowledge their right to raise concerns,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, WPG is eying $1 million dollar for the road in Gizo under SIG development budget.
However at this stage WPG is uncertain which roads the funds are meant for but instructions have been issued to MID Engineer to get clarification from MID with the intention of allocating the entire amount towards Gizo road.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
