BY BEN BILUA
THE Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo has announced that the Gizo Road Development project has been included in the national infrastructure development framework, signalling a major boost for road improvement in the provincial capital.
He revealed that the Gizo Road Development has been listed under the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Investment Plan (SINIIP) during the presentation of the Western Provincial Government’s budget estimates yesterday.
He said the road project forms part of the national infrastructure agenda launched by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, which aims to strengthen critical infrastructure across the country.
Veo said a representative from the World Bank recently visited Gizo following the official handing over of the Noro Road project.
He explained that during the visit, the delegation was taken to key sections of the Gizo road network to assess the current condition of the road.
“We took him to Mile 6 and Saeragi following both the inland and coastal road,” Veo said.
He also revealed that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development has allocated $2 million for infrastructure development in the area.
However, Veo said the provincial government has yet to decide how the funding will be utilized.
One option is to upgrade the Gizo Wharf, while another option is to combine the funds with the $1.5 million already allocated by the Western Provincial Government for urgent road works and maintenance on the Gizo Road.
Veo said the final decision will be made after further consultations to determine which option will deliver the greatest benefit for the people of Gizo and surrounding communities.
Photo credit: Ben Bilua
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