BY NED GAGAHE
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the Government is accelerating major infrastructure and development projects as Solomon Islands moves toward its 50th Independence Anniversary in 2028.
Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, March 8, Manele said the government’s focus is on improving connectivity, economic infrastructure and essential services across the country.
He highlighted several ongoing projects which he said reflect the commitment of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to deliver development in all provinces.
Last month, the Government opened the Noro Township Road Improvement Project in Noro, providing 10 kilometres of climate-resilient road to support trade in Western Province.
Bridge replacement works are also underway in Malaita Province, including Kolofe and Su’u Harbour bridges, while airfields in Santa Cruz and Suavanao are being upgraded.
Mr Manele said in agriculture, the government is implementing the Solomon Islands Agriculture and Rural Transformation project through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The $125 million initiative, supported by the World Bank and government funding, aims to transition farmers from subsistence to agribusiness and has engaged nearly 100 Agribusiness Producer Organisations in Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira-Ulawa Provinces.
Manele said digital connectivity is also expanding, with 80 towers already commissioned under the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project and all 141 towers expected to be completed by August.
In health, the Government recently held the groundbreaking for the $22.6 million rehabilitation of Taro Hospital and launched the Nila Isolation Unit.
The Prime Minister also confirmed government funding for early works at Bina Harbour, which is planned to become a regional hub for the country’s blue economy.
“These projects show our commitment to ensure no community is left behind as we approach our 50th Independence anniversary,” Manele said.
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