Central Project Implementation Unit (CPIU) under the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) assures residents of Naha and Vura that road maintenance work their roads will commence shortly.
In a statement, CPIU on Wednesday said, “We hear your concerns and fully aware of the deteriorating conditions along these sealed sections of East Honiara and are doing our best to address it with the limited funds allocated.
“A contractor will be engaged to carry out specific maintenance on these sealed roads, funded through the National Transport Fund (NTF) contributed by the Solomon Islands Government.”
The statement outlined that this maintenance for the East Honiara road network will be expedited as a variation to the existing contractor for these roads, since the quantities specified in the original contract have been exhausted.
CPIU further explained that this contract will cover the entire loop from SDA Kukum, through Vura, Naha and Borderline, across to Zion, Kola, Talise, and down to St. Barnabas Cathedral.
“Moving forward, our primary focus is the Honiara road network, and we appreciate the patience of community members,” the statement added.
It was also clarified that road works along Vura and Naha carried out earlier last month were intended as relief measures.
“This relief work was undertaken in preparation for the Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting, which was successfully hosted in Honiara last month.”
Some delegates attending this event were accommodated at housing facilities in Vura and Naha, necessitating relief works to ensure smooth travel and access for both delegates and community members.
“This relief work involved ripping up the defective sections of the roads and replacing them with base course materials.”
“This is not a reflection of substandard work but a necessary measure to facilitate safe and efficient movement,” CPIU explained in response to inquiries from East Honiara residents on social media.
Another issue they clarified is dust control along the road networks in Honiara.
“We have previously engaged water spray trucks for the main highway and selected feeder roads on a sporadic basis.
“We will increase the frequency of these dust suppression operations, depending on available funds and contractors with spraying vehicles,” the CPIU added.
It also highlighted that, while there are other dust control methods, their use is restricted by the country’s environmental regulations.
Meanwhile, the Vura Drainage System is set for full rehabilitation under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE II) Project.
– MID Press
