The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through its Construction Material Laboratory continues to produce Interlocking Block Pavement (IBP).
Recently, the lab installed IBP on the in-yards of the Friendship Hall access path, showcasing the durability and quality of these locally made concrete blocks.
Other pilot sites that showcase the IBP technology are the Point Cruz back-road stretch from Advance Building to the Melanesian Church Headquarter, the Auki High School footpath, and the vehicle inspection approaching road.
The lab for the past months has supplied these innovative interlocking blocks to local contractors and private residences, ensuring that quality materials are accessible for various construction projects.
This initiative is part of the broader IBP Project, which is supported by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to introduce IBP as a new pavement standard throughout the country.
The IBP technology, which has been designed to improve pavement conditions, will have a significant impact on transportation infrastructure across all provinces as materials are readily available and easier to maintain.
The lab has established a partnership with students from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) technical field, who are engaged in practical training at the lab as part of their studies.
This collaboration not only provides students with hands-on experience in concrete production and pavement technology but also allows them to receive small allowances for their contributions to the concrete works.
“The ongoing IBP initiative symbolises our commitment to fostering local talent and improving infrastructure standards through innovative solutions,” said Ishamel Alulu, Acting Director of Transport Infrastructure Service Division (TIMSD), who is also the Deputy Director of Quality Assurance.
“We are excited about the benefits this technology brings to our communities and the opportunities it provides for our future professionals.”
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development encourages local contractors and residents to take advantage of this locally produced interlocking block pavement to enhance their projects.
– MID
