Road Upgrades Bring New Opportunities for Youth, Women, and Children in North Guadalcanal

Young people, women, and children in the North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) are set to benefit significantly from major improvements to feeder roads that connect communities to schools, markets, and essential services.

The NGC office, under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament and Minister for Health, Dr. Paul Bosawai, has invested SBD$360,000 from its 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation to rehabilitate four key roads across the constituency.

The initiative aims to enhance basic livelihoods and promote economic growth by improving mobility for youth, women, farmers, families, and local entrepreneurs.

Reopening Roads That Communities Depend On

Roads undergoing upgrade include Suagi Road (Bridge Barol to Suagi community), Maluka, Gilutae, Ghaimali, and the access road to the Suagi Catholic Church.

Hon. Dr. Bosawai said these roads had been neglected for many years.

“These roads had previously deteriorated and been abandoned over the past years, rendering them impassable and posing significant challenges for people, especially farmers, to transport their farm produce to markets,” he said.

He stressed that community participation in economic life is central to his leadership vision.

“Creating an enabling environment for communities, farmers, and constituents to participate meaningfully in socio-economic activities is one of the top priorities of the NGC office under my leadership.”

Building on Major Investments in 2024

Last year, the NGC office invested SBD$1.5 million in road development and upgrades across the constituency, supported by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Solomon Islands Government, and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

Feeder roads maintained in 2024 included Taloa, Vutu, Ngalimbera, Koli, Komuporo, Tumurora, Ghorabau, Suagi, Roroni, and Rughavolo—areas where young families, school children, and women rely heavily on reliable transport.

Infrastructure That Supports Youth, Women, and the Local Economy

Hon. Dr. Bosawai highlighted the critical role these roads play in the region’s economic potential.

“These are vital economic investments for our people,” he said.

“Our communities, farmers, and constituents are set to benefit significantly from these ongoing road maintenance efforts, which are crucial for both local livelihoods and the transportation of agricultural produce to Honiara.”

He further emphasised that the upgrades will strengthen sectors that involve youth and women, particularly agriculture and oil palm.

“Roads in North Guadalcanal are not merely conduits for transportation; they are lifelines for the local economy.”

“The constituency is home to numerous oil palm out-growers, whose contributions play an essential role in the production output of Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL). This output is vital not only for local employment but also for the national economy of Solomon Islands.”

Communities Feel the Impact: Safer Travel for Women and Children

Residents say the improvements are already transforming daily life.

Taloa Community Chairman Gabriel Vaghi said, “The changes have had a profound impact on the lives of our residents, especially during emergencies and daily activities. In the past, when the roads were impassable, our communities found it really challenging to access health services in times of emergency.”

He added that ambulance access has dramatically improved.

“Today, however, emergencies are handled much more efficiently. When there is a need, we just call, and an ambulance comes straight to our community, saving precious time and potentially saving lives.”

Women in Taloa Community say the upgrades have relieved a heavy burden.

Joyce Vaghi said, “Transport now comes straight to our communities, making it much more convenient for us to go about our daily activities, including going to markets.

Our women and girls no longer have to walk long distances with their markets, which makes a huge difference in their safety and relief.”

Parents also report safer travel for children walking to and from school.

Acknowledging Partners and Future Plans

Hon. Dr. Bosawai expressed gratitude to Sustainable Resource Management (SRM), the road contractor.

“Our collaboration with SRM has been instrumental in restoring these roads to a condition that supports our community's needs.

Farmers will find it easier to reach markets, and consumers in Honiara will benefit from a more reliable supply of goods.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to long-term development.

“The commitment to maintaining these roads reflects a broader vision for sustainable development in the region, fostering resilience and growth in the agricultural sector.”

The Minister said further road maintenance is planned for 2026, highlighting that road access remains essential to improving livelihoods.

“The return on investment for these roads is greater than what we have invested through economic engagement, such as market access.”

He acknowledged the community’s resilience and thanked God for guidance as NGC pushes ahead with development programs, including roofing iron support, Suagi Clinic handover, tertiary student support, economic zone logistics, and livelihood programs.