BY BEN BILUA
Noro
THE total cost of the Noro Road development stands at approximately USD14 million, equivalent to around SBD120 million.
Minister of Infrastructure and Development (MID), Ricky Fuo’o revealed this during the official handing over ceremony of the road yesterday.
He acknowledges the strong partnership between the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank, which made the project a success.
Fuo’o said the road is more than just an infrastructure project, calling it a lifeline for the people.
“It connects children to school, farmers to markets, families to health services, businesses to broader markets and communities of Noro to opportunities for Western Province — especially Noro as a hub for fisheries, trade and tourism,” he said.
Fuo’o said the new road strengthens the foundation for economic growth and social wellbeing by reducing travel time, improving road safety and creating new pathways for prosperity and sustainable development.
He said the achievement reflects strong cooperation between the Western Provincial Government and the National Government.
“I assure you that the Government of National Unity and Transformation, through my ministry, will continue to support development initiatives in Western Province for the betterment of its people and our nation as a whole.
“My ministry remains committed to advancing infrastructure development in the provinces through continued donor partnerships and government funding in the years ahead,” Fuo’o said.
He also thanks communities for their patience and cooperation throughout the project’s implementation.
“To the communities, the road belongs to you. Your patience, cooperation and support have made this achievement possible.
“With this gift comes great responsibility. Let us work together to maintain and protect this infrastructure so that future generations may continue to benefit.
“Let us work together in protecting these important infrastructures from vandalism,” Fuo’o said.
He said the Noro Road Project reflects the government’s broader national vision of building infrastructure that is climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable and inclusive for all people — men, women and children throughout the islands.
“As we officially open the road today, may it stand as a symbol of progress, unity and hope. May it serve our people.
“It reminds us that when government, development partners and communities work together, we can achieve great things,” Fuo’o said.
In his speech, Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo acknowledged the government, donor partners and the contractors for the important gift.
He said the Noro Development project will go down in the history of Western Province as one of the huge milestones in its development.
“I’m glad that the national government together with the World Bank and the SIRAP 2 recognize this significant infrastructure.
“Development sector, tourism sector, the productive sector, agriculture, fisheries including other services sectors need to interact and collaborate more to identify common objectives, outputs outcomes and how we can leverage each other in achieving our collective goals,” Veo said.
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