Three State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the national government to facilitate the immediate relocation of utility lines, paving the way for the expansion of the ongoing Auki Town China-Aid Road Upgrade Project.
This signing event follows directives issued last week by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele for fast-tracking formalisation of a memorandum with Solomon Water, Solomon Telekom and Solomon Power that provides a clear guide and consensus on financial responsibilities and fosters effective coordination in the coming weeks in Auki.
The contractor for this project, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), has encountered delays due to slow interventions by the SOEs in relocating their poles, underground piping, and cables from the road carriageway.
This delay was also raised by the premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Elijah Asilaua, during his courtesy call to PM Hon. Manele last week.
With the signing of this MOA, a clear framework has been established to promote cooperation, cost sharing, and streamlined workflow towards timely completion of this project.
Right before the signing, the secretary to the prime minister’s special duty, Sir Jimmy Rodgers, briefed that the total project cost is approximately SBD 200 million. This investment includes contributions from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and funds allocated by the government to support the SOEs in accelerating the relocation works.
Dr Rodgers emphasized that the Prime Minister’s Office will continue collaborating with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to oversee progress, aiming to complete the project by the revised deadline of November 2026.
MID Permanent Secretary Allan Lilia also expressed appreciation to the Malaitan Provincial Executive for witnessing the signing and highlighted the government’s commitment, alongside development partners, to building resilient and modern infrastructure in the province.
Solomon Power Board Chairman David Quan acknowledged the efforts of all parties involved and expressed readiness to mobilise assets on-site to conduct urgent relocation works in close coordination with the contractor.
Representatives from the other two SOEs—Solomon Water, represented by board chairman Dr Culwick Togamana; and Solomon Telekom Company Limited (Our Telekom), represented by chief operating officer Mr Robertson Szetu and a board director, Mr Riley Mesepitu, who is also permanent secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour & Immigration—voiced their appreciation.
They highlighted that this agreement will ensure a seamless transition and minimise disruption to their service during the relocation exercises.
The signing was also attended by MID’s deputy secretary technical Mike Qaqara, Malaita’s provincial assembly members and key officials of the SOEs.
Over the past months, CCECC has focused on river channel improvements, construction of retaining walls, slope protection, shoulder barriers, and ditching. Most of these components are already complete, while the remaining ones are progressing steadily.
These features are critical for enhancing drainage, preventing erosion, and reducing flood risks throughout Auki.
The project encompasses the extensive rehabilitation of the 3.796-kilometre main road from Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge, as well as the upgrade of key feeder roads (Fa’asitoro and Sikitae) and the Auki Town loop, totalling 9 km.
Preparation for asphalt sealing is underway, and once completed, Auki will benefit from a durable 50mm-thick asphalt pavement, expected to last between 10 and 20 years.
More than 200 Malaitans from nearby communities are employed on this project, working alongside Chinese technical experts and gaining valuable skills in construction.
This project augments the government’s National Transport Infrastructure Plan 2017-2035 and serves as a testament to the PRC’s support for the Solomon Islands’ infrastructure development, further cementing the friendship.
– MID Press
