Australia-Funded Emergency Road Repairs Transform Malaita’s South Road

-

Emergency roadworks on Malaita’s South Road, one of the key transport roads in the Malaita province, have been completed a month ahead of schedule, significantly improving access for communities in the region.

The Australian-funded project, which began in July 2024, repaired the first 42km of the South Road, reaching Mao’a Bridge by the end of November. The Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development awarded the contract to Trades Transformation Company Ltd (TTC), a Malaita-based firm.

Compaction works to strengthen resilience of the road basement.

The upgrades provide much-needed relief to residents, with South Road serving as a lifeline connecting four constituencies: Aoke/Langalanga, Central Kwara’ae, West Kwaio, and West Are’ Are.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Mr Allan Lilia, welcomed Australia’s support and the project's tangible benefits.

“South Road is a vital connection for the southern region of Malaita,” Lilia said. “Communities along the corridor can now access roads as far as Hauhui in West Are Are.”

Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton, underscored the importance of reliable infrastructure in enhancing local livelihoods.

“The Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership prioritises connectivity – connecting people to essential services such as healthcare and education and markets for their produce,” High Commissioner Hilton said.

“Tendering infrastructure contracts into smaller packages, like this project, also benefits the Solomon Islands construction industry by creating jobs for Solomon Islanders,”

L - R - Hon Elijah Asilaua, Premier Malaita Province, HE Rod Hilton, Australia High Commissioner, Hon Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and Hon Manasseh Maelanga, Minister of Infrastucture and Development unveiling the sign for the Malaita South Road Improvement Projects.

Provincial Secretary of the Malaita Provincial Government, Eric George Ongoa, commended the Australian Government’s timely funding support in responding to the people’s need to improve the poor road conditions.

“The emergency road maintenance has provided better road connections to the transport service owners and the surrounding communities, resolving their hardship and frustrations in transport services on the southern road corridor,” Mr Ongoa said.

“I am delighted to observe the positive impact the road improvement has had on the local economy and the people of Malaita, with farmers now able to take their produce to the Auki market regularly.”

The project’s completion signals a transition to routine maintenance, with TTC set to commence upkeep of the road corridor in January 2025 for six months.

Australia provided SBD11 million for the project through the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund.

In addition to this work, Australia is delivering the Auki-Bina Road Rehabilitation Project, a longer-term upgrade to the Auki-Bina section of South Road. The design phase for that initiative is currently underway as part of the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program.

The improvements represent a critical step forward for Malaita’s communities, fostering economic opportunity and easing transport challenges across the island.

Media Release | AHC

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Benjamin Afuga’s Journey as a Social Media Influencer

-
Image
Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in Honiara, Solomon Islands, inspires young people to leverage social media for positive change. As the founder and chief administrator of the Yumi Toktok Forum, Afuga’s journey from a passionate young man to a leading social media influencer showcases the potential for individuals to shape their communities using digital platforms. Benjamin Afuga, a digital activist and community engagement leader in the  Solomon Islands Afuga’s early life was deeply rooted in the rich culture and supportive community of the Solomon Islands. Influenced by the teachings of his parents, the church, family, friends, and the local community, he developed a passion for humanity and community engagement that set the stage for his future endeavors. “My journey into social media began with a desire to promote and share our wealth, unique culture, and voice with a wider audience. I realized the power of social media as a tool for posit...
Read more

Wendy Kealau: Bringing Global Insights Home from China’s E-Commerce Frontier

-
Image
For Wendy Kealau, a young Solomon Islands entrepreneur and the proud owner of Wendy’s Delicacy’s catering business, attending an international e-commerce seminar in Qingdao, China, was more than just a professional trip, it was a transformative journey that expanded her vision for local entrepreneurship. As a financial member of the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI), Wendy has been steadily carving out a name for herself in the local business scene. But her recent trip to China opened her eyes to new possibilities and offered powerful lessons in innovation, resilience, and the power of global thinking. “I wanted to understand how one of the world’s largest economies fosters innovation, scales businesses, and builds resilient infrastructure,” Wendy explained. “Being surrounded by entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders from all over the globe gave me a broader perspective on what’s possible for us here at home.” A Global View, A Local Heart Wendy’s exposure to Ch...
Read more

𝟭𝟯 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗖

-
Image
Thirteen young entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI) have strengthened their business and customer service skills after completing a Collaborative Customer Care course with the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC). The training, facilitated by APTC and organized by YECSI, aimed to equip young business owners with essential customer service strategies. Nine young women business owners were among the 13 participants, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. The two-day intensive training gave participants valuable insights into effective communication techniques, conflict resolution, and customer loyalty strategies—all crucial for delivering high-quality service and enhancing customer satisfaction. Wendy Kealau, owner of Ezen’s Catering, Fashion, Entertainment, and Tiamaria Pub (Red Door), highlighted the vital role YECSI plays in supporting young entrepreneurs and how the training has positively impacted parti...
Read more