BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Young people from the communities of Su’u Harbour and Igwa in Dorio District, West Kwaio, have recently taken it upon themselves to repair the deteriorating Igwa wooden bridge along South Road, which connects Auki to West Are’Are in Malaita Province.
The voluntary work was initiated after the bridge was found to be in an unsafe condition — particularly dangerous for heavy vehicles such as trucks.
Before the youths stepped in, the bridge was closed due to safety concerns. Travelers heading to Auki were forced to disembark, walk across the bridge on foot and then board another vehicle on the other side.
A statement from Malaita Issues highlighted the deteriorating state of the Igwa Bridge, which posed serious safety risks and rendered it unfit for heavy vehicle use. With no available detour, the situation significantly disrupted transportation and access to Auki, the provincial capital, on a daily basis.
Responding to this urgent need, local youths from Su’u and Igwa communities carried out temporary repair works. They cut and installed new timber to restore the bridge, allowing vehicles to cross safely once the work was completed.
The youth expressed heartfelt thanks to the owner of ESEL Transport, who played a key role in organizing and mobilizing the volunteer effort. His leadership was instrumental in bringing the communities together to respond quickly to the issue.
The community hopes the temporary repair will soon be completed to fully restore vehicle access across the bridge.
The Igwa Bridge is just one of many wooden or timber bridges along the South Road in need of repair.
This paper understands that two other bridges along the route — the Su’u and Bira bridges, also within Dorio District — are currently being upgraded with World Bank funding under the SIRAP project.
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