MID signs a contract with CS Vision Limited for drainage improvements at the Vura Road–Kukum Highway intersection.
Plans to improve drainage infrastructure along Vura Road have moved a step forward following the signing of a construction contract under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II).
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) signed the contract with local contractor CS Vision Limited on 29 October 2026 at MID Headquarters in Honiara, marking another milestone in efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure under the project.
The works will include the construction of gabion walls to stabilise the drainage channel, stone pitching downstream to the outlet, and the installation of a rubbish screen and silt traps to help manage blockages. A concrete access ramp will also be built to support maintenance and cleaning, while existing pedestrian bridge access will be retained.
The drainage improvements are planned for the Vura Road–Kukum Highway intersection, where stormwater drainage affects traffic and movement between surrounding residential and commercial areas. The works are expected to take approximately eight months to complete.
MID Permanent Secretary, Mr Mike Qaqara, expressed confidence in the ability of local contractors to deliver quality infrastructure, calling on CS Vision Limited to complete the works on time and to the required standard.
He said MID was creating greater opportunities for local businesses by breaking infrastructure projects into smaller contract packages and adopting a tiered approach to contract allocation, allowing companies of different sizes to participate.
Mr Qaqara also acknowledged the support of the World Bank and the Australian Government in delivering infrastructure improvements under CAUSE II.
Australia’s Counsellor for Infrastructure and Development Operations, Ms Amy Sheridan, welcomed the signing, highlighting the important role of small-scale infrastructure in keeping Honiara’s homes, workplaces and streets functioning.
She emphasised the importance of making smaller contracts accessible to local firms, particularly as they face challenges competing with larger and international companies.
For CS Vision Limited, the contract represents an opportunity to demonstrate its capacity to deliver quality infrastructure. Company Project Director, Mr Charles P. Sisimia, described the signing as a milestone for the company and thanked MID and its development partners for supporting smaller work packages that local contractors can undertake.
He assured those present that CS Vision Limited would give the project its best effort.
Before construction begins, the contractor will attend a pre-construction meeting with the CAUSE II Project Management Unit (PMU) and MID. A Notice to Proceed will be issued once the contractor has satisfactorily completed the required readiness checks, including approval of its environmental, social, health and safety plans.
The Vura Road drainage works form part of CAUSE II’s broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and services, supporting the development of safer and more resilient communities in Honiara.
Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, the CAUSE II Project is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.
SOURCE// CAUSE II PRESS RELEASE
