BY CHARLES STENNETT
Work had started on key road sections across Auki township with bitumen spraying and prime coat application now in progress.
A statement from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, CCECC, has been preparing these sections for the final asphalt layers.
The statement said these works are being carried out on sections that are now clear after the installation of drainage systems and the relocation of utility lines.
This China-Aid rehabilitation project spans the full 9.2 km stretch from Kwaibala Bridge to Kilu’ufi Hospital, including key feeder roads.
The statement said utility relocation activities by Solomon Power, Solomon Water, and Our Telekom are nearing completion, enabling the carriageway to be prepared for the road expansion and asphalting phase.
A key feature of this project is the use of high-quality materials, including asphalt concrete pavement with a thickness of 50 millimeters, ensuring long-lasting durability.
The statement said with proper maintenance, these roads are expected to serve the community effectively for 10 to 20 years, contributing significantly to Malaita Provinces’ land transport infrastructure.
It said as major works near completion, the contractor has scaled back local labor activities. The targeted completion date for the project is set for November, which will also coincide with the official handover ceremony.
The statement said this project is rooted in the government’s National Transport Plan 2017-2036, which advocates for a systematic approach to transport infrastructure, prioritizing accessibility, safety, and efficiency to foster social and economic growth.
It also serves as a testament to the Peoples Republic of China’s support for the Solomon Islands’ infrastructure development under the guidance of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Global Development initiative, further cementing the friendship.
Photo credit: MID
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