Noro Township roads open under SIRAP II, boosting trade, safety and growth in Western Province.
The Noro Township Road Improvement Project under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP II) was officially opened last week, 13 February 2026.
These road improvement works, carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), commenced in March 2024 and represent a major investment of over SBD 120 million (approximately USD 14 million), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) through a Project Support Team (PST). The project involves the construction of approximately 10.2 km of road networks across Noro Town.
It connects children to schools, farmers to markets, families to health services, businesses to broader markets, and the communities of Noro to new opportunities.
Noro, as a hub for fisheries, trade and tourism, will benefit from infrastructure that strengthens the foundation for economic growth and social wellbeing. The upgraded roads will reduce travel time, improve road safety, and create new pathways for prosperity and sustainable development.
Key guest speaker MID Minister Ricky Fuo’o, in his remarks, said the project directly aligns with one of the key strategic policies of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT): the building and upgrading of infrastructure to support economic activities and improve the quality of life for all citizens.
The national government will continue to support development initiatives in Western Province for the betterment of its people and the nation as a whole.
“As we officially open this road today, it stands as a symbol of progress, unity and hope.
“It reminds us that when government, development partners and communities work together, we can achieve great things,” Fuo’o stated.
“My ministry remains committed to advancing infrastructure development in the province through continued donor partnerships and government funding in the years ahead.”
He said that for this year, under the second Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project (CAUSE II), sections of Meddean Street and a bridge in Gizo will be rehabilitated. Furthermore, under the ministry’s 2026 development budget, work is outlined to rehabilitate the Gizo Wharf coastline protection to enhance its climate resilience.
He acknowledged the World Bank, the Western Provincial Government, engineers, the contractor, the Project Support Team, local workers, the Noro Community Advisory Committee and the business community for their support during the implementation of the project.
“Your patience, cooperation and support have made this achievement possible,” the Central Kwara’ae parliament member remarked.
He further added that such infrastructure upgrades come with responsibility.
“Let us work together to maintain and protect it so that future generations may continue to benefit. Let us work together in protecting this important infrastructure from vandalism.”
Western Province Premier Billy Veo, in his remarks, shared that the road project is notable in many aspects.
Noro is the second industrial hub of the Solomon Islands. It hosts the country’s only tuna and fish processing plant, the country’s second international seaport, and is a short distance from the country’s second international airport at Munda.
“We also have a number of key government agencies established here in Noro – the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Customs and Excise, the Immigration Division, Biosecurity, Environmental Health and other state actors.
“The increasing significance of Noro as the second hub to Honiara definitely warrants the need for this project, and I am glad that the National Government, together with the World Bank under SIRAP, recognizes this significance.”
Premier Veo further called on the people of Noro, stakeholders, users and the public to respect and look after these assets.
“I have already noted some reports of individuals causing damage to railings and other fixtures. Let us take responsibility and learn to appreciate the infrastructure provided.
“These cost a lot of money, and we should be thankful that we are the recipients of such useful infrastructure,” he stated.
World Bank Country Representative Mr Bernard Harborne, in his address, highlighted that the road upgrades are critical for the transportation of fishery and agriculture products to markets, as well as access to employment, health, education and social services.
“This project is a testament to what can be achieved with a common goal—a stronger, safer and more connected Solomon Islands,” he remarked.
The program, hosted at Noro’s Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) complex, featured a tour of the road by key guests, who viewed the road networks to communities and the highway stretch from the Tausinga area to the gates of the Soltuna cannery.
The master of ceremony for the event was MID’s Deputy Secretary of Corporate Services, Andrew Houlia. Other key guests witnessing the programme included Member of Parliament for West New Georgia–Vona Vona, George Temahua; former parliament member Silas Tausinga; Western Provincial Assembly members; SIRAP II National Steering Committee members; Supervising Consultant Egis Asia; CCECC representatives; Noro Town Council and stakeholders; government officials; chiefs; and community and church leaders.
SOURCE: MID PRESS RELEASE
