Current road construction work at the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP) lot 1 junction to Ngalivuli Road network (14 km) is progressing well with only six kilometre remaining.
Local contractor FT Builders and Civil Works first carried out grubbing and clearance last year and since then has done specific rehabilitation to this crucial lot that will set the foundation for connectivity to this new township.
Work on this unsealed road network is expected for full completion by June this year.
Concurrently, another local contractor, Central Islands Civil Construction Ltd (CICC), has commenced their work on Lot 9 Tarekukure Road Network.
Funded under the Ministry of Provincial Government Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) in collaboration with the Choiseul Provincial Government, their scope includes road alignments, culverts, drainage systems, and bridge structures, which are crucial for the successful future developments within the township.
This road connects to plots marked for a new hospital, light industries, a cemetery zone, and other planned establishments.
CBTP Manager Isaac Lekelalu said the contractor has mobilized by shipping in their machinery early this week to the site and will work on a timeframe of 7 months.
Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Transport Infrastructure Division representative, who is also job manager of this region, Ben Maenu’u, said these initial road works are crucial, as they will connect communities along the corridor to the new township and, as expected, boost socio-economic activities within the bay.
“We continue to provide technical support once requested for this ongoing project’s rollout by working closely with the provincial administration and partner agencies.
“Chiefs and community members are reminded to render support towards these construction activities and resolve arising issues using proper channels for a smooth progress,” the Gizo-based civil engineer said.
MID’s Safeguards unit already formed a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) last year comprised of chiefs, women, youth representatives, and landowners within the bay area.
These committees will be the focal point on the ground to help manage grievances, disseminate information, and facilitate community participation throughout the project’s cycle.
MID’s Land Transport Management Services Division is also glad to see that one of the vehicles (a Toyota Hilux) handed over to the CPG under legacy arrangements set forth by the Office of the Prime Minister is put into good use to support operations at this new township.
CBTP has been declared a national government project by the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT)—a milestone towards relocating Taro Town to the mainland.
This project is a pioneering effort in the Pacific region, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and expansion to accommodate urban growth for Taro Island residents and future undertakings.
– MID
