Three local companies will undertake major road improvement projects in Malaita under the SBD60 million Australian-supported National Transport Fund project.
The four projects include the Busurata Road delivered by Exodus Trade Development, the Northeast Malaita Road (Fataleka – Subobono) by FT Builders Construction, and two sections of the Malaita South Road – tar sealing of the first five kilometres from Auki, and repairs to the 33km section from Maoa Bridge to Hauhui, both to be delivered by Trades Transformation Company.
At the contract signing ceremony in Auki on Friday, Minister of Infrastructure Development, Hon Ricky Fuo’o, said he was listening to the pleas of Malaita to improve the badly deteriorated roads network, helping people to market, school, clinics and opportunity.
“My government is listening, and with Australia’s support, we are acting,” Minister Fuo’o said.
“Road improvements will make it easier for people to move around and be better connected to economic opportunities,” Minister Fuo’o said.
“With these road upgrades, our people can grow and prosper.”
Minister Fuo’o said, he continues to champion the transformative power of local content, providing young Solomon Islanders hope for future jobs in the construction sector.
“With more local contractors delivering for local communities, Solomon Islanders are no longer bystanders in our national development, but active participants,” Minister Fuo’o said.
“Local infrastructure, built by local companies, for Solomon Islanders.”
The improvements are part of a SBD60 million grant from Australia to upgrade Solomon Islands roads, provided directly to the National Transport Fund.
Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton, said Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in road transport infrastructure to boost economic opportunities for local businesses and create jobs for the people of Solomon Islands.
“This is not a loan, this is a commitment to deliver 100 per cent of works through Solomon Islands companies,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
“This means every cent given by Australia will help create local jobs, work for local suppliers, and income for local families and communities.”
Twelve roads have been identified by the Solomon Islands Government. These include the four key transport corridors in Malaita, and eight roads in Honiara to support Solomon Islands’ hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September – with works already underway.
Head of Trades Transformation Company, Mr Leslie Holosivi, thanked Australia for putting their trust in local companies.
“We are mobilised and ready with new machinery, and looking to raise the quality of construction for this better roads project, starting with the tar sealing of 5km from Auki of the Malaita South Road,” Mr Holosivi said.
“We’ll be talking with communities along the road, and talking with experts to upskill our local team.”
Minister Fuo’o said, he had witnessed first-hand the impact of the reopening of the Malaita South Road last year, which was supported by Australia through the National Transport Fund and delivered by local contractors.
“Farmers can again get their produce to market, the cost of goods has halved, transport providers have reduced wear and tear of their vehicles and services like health and education are more accessible” Minister Fuo’o said.
“I have also made a commitment this year to the people of Honiara to fix the city’s deteriorated road network, and this funding from Australia will help us achieve that goal, reducing the time and cost of daily travel for everyone.”
Australia is the number one supporter of Solomon Islands’ economic and social infrastructure development, investing over SBD5 billion in 515 projects over the past five years.
These include the Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre, undersea internet cable to Australia and Papua New Guinea, border posts, the Tina River Hydropower and solar projects, upgraded airfields, ports, and health facilities.
– AHC
