BY RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Two road sections have been approved for Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) sealing and re-gravelling, concreting steep sections, and upgrading drainage systems to build climate resilience against heavy rains.
The public of Malaita has expressed their appreciation to the government, citing that the completion of the roads will mark a milestone for them as it will help people transport their produce to the market and ensure access to essential services.
One of the East Malaita community elders, John Riu, said it will help improve potholes on the road that they have always struggled to navigate during the rainy season.
“Honestly, it will really help to address the road problems that we always face when transporting our market produce during the rainy season,” he said.
The road sections include 12 km of Double Bituminous Surface Treatment (DBST) sealing from Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to Kwaisuliniu, which will be done by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), and 21 km from Baratolo to Atori by the local contractor, Trades Transformation Company (TTC).
A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) yesterday said through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) with funding support from the World Bank, it has mobilized a joint team to Malaita Province.
The aim of this joint team’s trip to Malaita province as stated, is to introduce contractors and conduct awareness ahead of major road sealing and gravel work.
The consultation as mentioned also aims to ensure project safety, minimize disruptions, and gauge local feedback and support.
The recent successful handovers of the Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges, Su’u Harbour, Bira, Koa, and Bi’o bridges were part of the milestone achievement under 2017-2036 National Transport Plan (NTP).
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