Noro Town in Western Province has taken on a fresh, modern look following the installation of new, high-quality road and traffic signboards along the newly sealed township road.
The signboards, installed early this month by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), are part of the ongoing Noro Township Road Improvement Project and are being hailed as a major upgrade for the town in Western Province.
Speaking to Solomon Star in a recent interview, Noro Town Clerk Gavin Totu said the new signage, together with the tar-sealed road and improved traffic layout, has set a new standard for urban development in Noro.
“This development has lifted Noro to another level. The new traffic signs, road layout and sealed road have transformed the town,” Mr Totu said.
He said the signboards were costly and fully funded by overseas donor partners, adding that the community should take pride in protecting the infrastructure.
“These signboards are reflective and clearly visible at night, which is something new for Noro. It greatly improves road safety and traffic management,” he said.
However, Totu expressed concern over acts of vandalism, noting that some signboards were damaged less than a week after installation.
“Some individuals have peeled off parts of the signboards. This paints a bad picture of Noro’s development and is unacceptable. This is public property and must be respected,” he said.
He said while only a few individuals were responsible, such behaviour was disappointing and damaging to the town’s image.
“I appeal to the people of Noro to respect and protect these facilities. We should be proud of the development taking place, not destroy it,” Totu added.
He also called on police in Noro to continue patrols to deter vandalism, acknowledging the challenges faced due to limited manpower.
Totu added that Noro is home to people from diverse backgrounds, which can present challenges, but said respect for public property must remain a shared responsibility.
Chairman of the Noro Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Isaiah Alepio, described the Noro Road Improvement Project as a major milestone and a significant facelift for the town.
“The installation of road signage, including road names and directional signs, highlights the importance of road safety and helps guide visitors to Noro,” Mr Alepio said.
He said the project had progressed smoothly with minimal disruption to the community, but raised concern over the defacing and damage of some road signs.
“This is very concerning. These signages are the first of their kind installed anywhere in Solomon Islands, and communities must take pride and responsibility in looking after them,” he said.
Mr Alepio added that minor issues, such as incorrect road names on some signs, had been identified.
“The Noro Town Council has met and made submissions to the project safeguard team to address and correct these issues,” he said.
He said the road project would significantly improve services within the township and generate wider economic benefits for Western Province.
Mr Alepio also urged road users to comply with traffic rules, including speed limits, and encouraged pedestrians to use marked footpaths.
“Safety is very important. That is why we have signage and road markings,” he said.
He said the community was now looking forward to the official commissioning and handover of the project, expected in early 2026.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) confirmed that the Noro Township Road Improvement Project is 95 per cent complete and is expected to be officially completed in the first quarter of next year.
MID said installation of road signs has been completed, while road barriers are about 90 per cent finished. Road marking works are ongoing and currently about 30 per cent complete.
The project covers approximately 10.2 kilometres of roadway, including about 5.2 kilometres of asphalt concrete and 4.1 kilometres of Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST).
MID said the project has employed around 70 workers, mostly from nearby communities, providing valuable skills, experience and income to support local families.
The official completion date is scheduled for late January 2026.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
