BY SAMIE WAIKORI
As a developing nation, Solomon Islands faces growing demand for infrastructure development, particularly for roads, wharves, and bridges.
However, limited funding remains the biggest challenge.
This is reflected in the annual budget of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), where allocated funds consistently fall short of the ministry’s planned projects.
Despite financial constraints, infrastructure development has slowly progressed with support from development partners and aid donors, helping to sustain economic activities across the country.
Speaking at a recent MID press conference, Minister for MID, Ricky Fuo’o acknowledged the ongoing funding challenges, despite the ministry’s ambitious plans to expand and improve infrastructure nationwide.
He noted that the country continues to require new roads, pointing out that Solomon Islands currently has only about 1,500 kilometres of roads.
Given the situation, the ministry has shifted its priority to properly completing and maintaining one road before moving on to another.
“For instance, an asphalt road can last at least 10 to 15 years. When we spend money on road maintenance, we must do it properly and ensure quality work,” the minister said.
Fuo’o reiterated the ministry’s commitment to expanding road networks, taking into consideration the growing demand from communities seeking better access.
He admitted that budget constraints remain a persistent challenge, but emphasized that the ministry is doing its best within the available resources.
At present, the government is working on a new road project in the Northwest Choiseul constituency of Harry Kuma. The ministry is also considering plans for a new road on mainland Ngella, noting that currently only Tulagi has roads in the entire province.
Deputy Secretary of MID, Mike Qaqara, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stating that as a developing country, there is an ongoing need for roads to boost economic activities, particularly in rural areas.
He added that as part of this effort, the ministry has upgraded several logging roads this year, converting them into government roads.
While funding continues to pose a major obstacle, he reaffirmed the ministry’s policy of permanently fixing one road before proceeding to the next project.
Photo: MID
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