BY INDY MAEALASIA
After years of little budgetary support and inactivity, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) is pushing to revive the Road and Transport Board to better manage the country’s road infrastructure.
Speaking in parliament on Thursday, August 6, 2025, during the second reading of the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2025, MID Minister, Ricky Fuo’o said the RTB- a statutory body set up years ago was greatly unfunded.
“The Board was set up years ago but remained unfunded. MID is now reviewing the Board, which is why we’re requesting financial support,” he said.
The RTB consists of the Honiara City Council, MID and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
Together, their tasks are to set up policies and guidelines to manage road infrastructure.
Fuo’o told parliament that the ministry is seeking funds to install road signage around the city, and raise awareness on traffic rules.
He pointed out that these activities are vital and said that vehicle owners cannot be persecuted yet because of the lack of these important measures.
The minister said the RTB’s immediate focus will be on Honiara, especially as the city prepares to host major regional events in 2025, including the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), the pacific water conference, and the Pacific Labour Mobility Meeting (PLMAM)
“With these events coming up, the Board will focus on measures like restricting vehicle movement during certain hours, setting up signages, and potentially acquiring a tow truck to remove vehicles in violation.
“There’s still a long way to go to develop such necessary mechanisms,” he said.
Fuo’o mentioned that the Road Transport Act is currently under review and is expected to be brought to Parliament before the end of the year.
“We are hoping if all goes well, we can bring this important amendment before the end of the year,” Minister Fuo’o added.
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