Communities along the proposed Areo–Gwaiako feeder road in Ward 3 of West Kwara’ae Constituency in Malaita province are looking forward with big hope for the implementation of the road project this year.
The project is expected to be funded by the government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
For more than 40 years, communities along the route have dreamed of having proper road access to their villages.
Despite producing many business people, scholars, academics, and working-class citizens who serve both the government and private sector and contributed tax revenue to the state, the communities continue to live without basic road infrastructure.
Last year, Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) conducted a survey for the proposed Areo–Gwaiako feeder road, starting from Gwaiako down to Areo village.
However, the actual start date for construction remains unclear.
According to information received, the proposed feeder road will run from Areo through Buiano, Sasale Village, Laugwata, Faubora, and up to Gwaiako Village.
The survey work brought renewed hope and smiles to many villagers who have long endured daily hardship, walking long distances from their villages to the main road to access transport, markets, schools, and health services.
Several working people living in Honiara who returned home for the Christmas holidays said that while celebrating Christmas in the village is enjoyable, the lack of road access remains a major challenge.
Mr Jerry Henry, a taxpayer, said it was sad to see people continue to suffer from poor road access while contributing to the country’s economy.
“It is painful to see villagers carrying heavy loads of garden produce to the market on foot, while the government continues to collect tax from farmers,” he said.
A villager, Mr Severino Silimae, who supports his family through vending, said the only major challenge he faces is the lack of road access to his community.
“Now it is 2026, and I am still waiting for the government to fulfill its promise to build a road to our community,” Mr Silimae said.
“If we had road access, many people would work harder to earn a better living instead of depending on MPs for support.”
A mother, Ms Malfry, said her greatest wish is to see the government construct a road to reach her community this year.
She recalled the visit by the MID survey team, describing it as a joyful moment for villagers who have waited decades for such progress.
“It was encouraging to see government officers come to our village with the purpose of surveying for a road project,” she said.
Villagers hope the government will act swiftly to turn the survey into reality, especially as families continue to face difficulties accessing markets and services during important festive seasons like Christmas.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Photo caption: Gwaiako Village in the highlands of Ward 3, West Kwara’ae Constituency, an interior community in urgent need of road access to improve connectivity and development. Photo. O’Brien Kame.
