PRIME Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has reiterated calls for land owning groups and resource owners in Malaita to allow their land to foster development.
He was speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony on Tuesday at the provincial capital of Auki.
The breaking of ground was to officially commence the Auki road rehabilitation project made possible through the support of the Chinese government.
He said, road infrastructure is an important development that will allow to transform communities.
PM Manele stressed that its important for everyone to be united and be partners in development.
“To the people of Malaita, may this road serve as a lasting source of pride and a testament to the power of partnership in transforming our communities. Let us continue to unite to foster development and open up our lands.”
The Auki road project includes extensive repairs and rehabilitation of the main road, stretching from Kilu’ufi Hospital on the northern side of Auki Town to the Kwaibala Bridge on the southern side, covering over 9 km and encompassing 16 feeder roads.
PM added, the government, in partnership with donor organisations, is dedicated to enhancing essential road infrastructure development projects in Malaita Province.
These include:
1. Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2)—Construction of new bridges at Su’u Harbour and Bira along the South Road and Kolofe 1 and Kolofe 2 in the Northern region.
2. Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2) sealing of the 12 km road from Gwaunaru’u to Kwaisuliniu in West Kwara’ae.
3. Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program—Sealing of the Auki to Bina road.
4. Ongoing routine maintenance of the Dala-Fou’ia section along the North Road, the longest road section in the Solomon Islands.
5. Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2)—Incorporating climate-resilient infrastructures on the East Malaita road extending beyond 21 km to Atori.
6. Community Access Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE 2)—Road improvements in Auki to support local development.
7. Regular maintenance of road networks funded through the Constituency Development Funds, ensuring sustained access and quality over time.
These projects reflect the government’s 2017-2036 National Transport Plan (NTF) and 5-year rolling Medium Term Transport Action Plan (MTTAP) to foster sustainable infrastructure development throughout the provinces.
