BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The implementation of two major infrastructure projects for Afio Substation in Small Malaita, located in the southern region, is set to commence soon.
The projects include the Afio seawall, valued at SBD 1.9 million, and the Afio market, which will cost SBD 1.5 million. These initiatives aim to protect the eroded Afio seafront and provide a more conducive and improved facility for vendors to conduct business.
Funding for the projects will be provided by the World Bank through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF), which is coordinated by the national government under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening.
Deputy Provincial Secretary of Malaita Province, Mr. Peter Herehura, shared updates on the preparation for the projects’ implementation.
He stated that the Afio seawall and market projects are among several PCDF-funded projects scheduled for implementation in the province soon.
“Recently, a team from the province visited Afio Substation to conduct a feasibility study on the projects.
“The team is currently working on information gathered from the study, and once the process is complete, the projects will be put out to tender,” Herehura said.
He further noted that the province expects to tender the two projects, along with other approved PCDF projects, before the end of the current financial year on March 31, 2025.
Additionally, during the visit, a significant milestone was achieved as landowners and key local stakeholders in Afio expressed their support for the projects.
A major breakthrough occurred last week when landowners and local groups, including the Ward Development Committee (WDC), signed consent forms for the development, according to Malaita Issue, in an extract from the Small Malaita Forum.
“This will allow work to begin as soon as contractors and funding are confirmed, marking a crucial step toward starting construction without delays.
“With these projects, Afio is set to become a safer and more economically active hub for Small Malaita.
“The completion of these initiatives will benefit local businesses and communities while also improving the region’s infrastructure for future growth.”
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
