WORK on the Bira Bridge in West Kwaio, Malaita Province is making progress after the pile foundation work have been completed.
This bridge is benefiting under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
The completion of the ground works marked a significant milestone in the Malaita Bridges improvement, which is funded by the World Bank and is being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).
The works are being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, utilizing modular bridge technology for flood resilience and climate adaptability, with construction supervision services provided by Egis Asia Company Limited.
Pile foundations provide crucial support for bridge stability. ‘
With Bira Bridge’s pile foundations complete, construction now moves to installing pile caps, which connect the piles to the bridge deck and efficiently distributing loads.
“The construction of new bridges is a key part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to improve transport connectivity, boost economic opportunities, and enhance disaster resilience across Malaita Province,” stated Allan Lilia, Permanent Secretary of MID.
“Improved infrastructure not only supports the daily movement of goods and people but also strengthens access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets,” he added.
Following the works at Bira Bridge, the contractor is progressing with piling works for the Su’u Harbour Bridge, while mobilisation of equipment and materials for the Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges in North Malaita is scheduled to begin in early May 2025.
These form part of the broader Malaita Bridges improvement under SIRAP2, focused on upgrading and strengthening critical transport links across the province.
Furthermore, SIRAP2 remains instrumental in enhancing transport infrastructure, strengthening community connections, and driving economic growth across the country.
Steady progress on the Malaita bridges improvement underscores the Government’s dedication to building a more resilient, connected, and prosperous Solomon Islands.
Upon completion, the bridges will provide safer, more reliable access for communities, businesses, and travellers in Malaita Province.
In addition to Malaita bridges, SIRAP2 is also working on construction of Noro Roads, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, upgrades of Santa Cruz Airfield in Temotu Province and Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
– SIPRA 2 Press
