By Loretta B Manele
Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) has a crucial role in delivering and sustaining infrastructure investments under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement 2, (CAUSE 2) project.
Manasseh Maelanga, MID minister expressed this during the launch of CAUSE 2 project on 7th, Feb, Friday at the CAUSE office compound.
He said the urbanization challenges we face today such as; rapid population growth, climate risks and infrastructure gaps require bold action and strategic investments.
“Through CAUSE 2, MID will lead efforts to upgrade and maintain critical urban infrastructure, ensuring that our city and towns are more accessible, resilient and inclusive”.
He explained that under CAUSE 2 project’s first component, “Resilient township infrastructure”, MID will oversee the implementation of key infrastructure projects aimed at improving urban mobility, flood resilience and public service delivery.
Maelanga said some of the priority projects in the pipeline under the above initiative include; upgrading and rehabilitation of key urban roads, improving drainage systems in Honiara City, development of public facilities and green spaces and rehabilitation of small bridges and coastal protection infrastructure.
He stressed that under “upgrading and rehabilitation of key urban roads”, MID will upgrade over 12.8 kilometres of secondary roads; improving connectivity between urban and peri-urban areas.
Maelanga said the above will include climate resilient road sealing, pedestrian walkways and accessibility improvements in high traffic areas.
Under “improving drainage systems in Honiara City”, he stated that one of the most pressing challenges in Honiara is poor drainage which contributes to severe flooding, road deterioration ad public health risks.
“CAUSE 2 will support stormwater drainage upgrades in flood prone areas including the rehabilitation of critical drainage”.
He added that the ministry will also work closely with Honiara City Council (HCC) and engineering experts to ensure that drainage improvements are integrated into road rehabilitation projects.
As for “Development of public facilities and green spaces”, Maelanga said the CAUSE 2 project will finance the construction and improvement of public open spaces in key urban centres to enhance urban liveability and economic activity.
He mentioned that this will support local vendors, commuters and community gatherings thus creating more inclusive public spaces.
Last but not the least, there is the “Rehabilitation of small bridges and coastal protection infrastructure” initiative.
Through this channel, Maelanga said MID will oversee the replacement and strengthening of small bridges and culverts, ensuring that transport networks remain functional during extreme weather events.
Also noted is that coastal protection projects along pre-identified locations will be implemented to safeguard vulnerable urban communities from erosion and rising sea levels.
The member of parliament for Small Malaita constituency said these projects were carefully selected based on technical assessments, prioritizing cost-effectiveness, population impact and long-term sustainability.
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