The ground-breaking ceremony for the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project is taking place this morning at the Auki Primary School Field, Malaita.
This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the infrastructure development of Malaita Province.
Funded by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), this project represents a key component of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and the Solomon Islands.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development, in a statement, said, “This project is rooted in the government’s National Transport Plan (NTP) 2017-2036, which advocates for a systematic approach to transport infrastructure, prioritizing accessibility, safety, and efficiency to foster social and economic growth.”
The groundwork for this project began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in October 2023, followed by an exchange of notes facilitating feasibility studies and design work in December 2023.
The final road survey was successfully completed last year, laying the foundation for this upgrade.
This road rehabilitation involves the existing more than 9-kilometre main road, stretching from Kilu’ufi Hospital on the northern side of Auki Town to the Kwaibala Bridge on the southern side. In addition to this, it will encompass 16 vital road networks within the growing town.
One of the key aspects of this project is the use of high-quality materials. It features asphalt concrete pavement with a thickness of 50 millimetres, ensuring durability.
“This infrastructure upgrade aligns with the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) policy to develop and maintain safe, reliable, resilient, integrated, and sustainable land and maritime infrastructures.
“The project aims to significantly improve transport systems and connectivity to basic services and strategic investment locations, thus promoting economic development for the province,” MID stated.
The ceremony is being attended by esteemed guests, including key guest speaker Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, China Ambassador H.E. Cai Weiming, and officials from the China Embassy; Minister of Infrastructure Development Hon. Manasseh Maelanga; provincial leaders of Malaita Province; contractors; and distinguished delegates.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been awarded the contract for this comprehensive road upgrade.
This segment of sealed road has seen numerous enhancements made by various construction teams since its initial development by the Public Works Department in the 1990s. In 2009, it was upgraded as part of the Asian Development Bank’s Post-Conflict Emergency Rehabilitation Project by the Kitano Group. Subsequently, in 2015, Dalgro conducted further upgrades, followed by temporary maintenance repairs by Zed Construction in 2024.
CCECC has already dispatched two shipments of materials and established a campsite at Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School. In accordance with the agreement made with the Malaita Province administration and the education authority, this camp facility will be transferred to the school upon the project’s completion. Additionally, the company is currently recruiting over 50 local workers for initial stages of the project.
– MID
