Australian High Commission Partners With Honiara City Council To Build New Bus Shelters Provide All-Weather Protection For Commuters
The Australian High Commission has officially handed over the final of five new bus shelters to Honiara City Council, providing all-weather protection for thousands of commuters in Honiara. Acting Counsellor Samantha Bell, Deputy Mayor Clement Terewauri, and Permanent Secretary Allan Lilia of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development were present at the handover ceremony at the new Lawson Tama bus shelter. Local contractors Tropic Group Builders and Kramer Ausenco outlined the shelters’ low maintenance, high quality and wheelchair-accessible features.
Mrs. Bell highlighted Australia’s commitment to creating local jobs and improving public infrastructure in the Solomon Islands. The shelters, designed and built by a local company, aim to provide safe, inclusive spaces for commuters.
Deputy Mayor Terewauri thanked the Australian Government for the initiative, noting that the shelters would greatly benefit Honiara’s public by offering comfort and safety while waiting for buses. The SBD6.7 million project includes shelters at five key locations: China Town/Ministry of Health and Medical Services, King George VI Secondary School, Kukum Hot Bread, Lawson Tama and the National Referral Hospital.
Designed with input from the Disabled Peoples’ Association of Solomon Islands, the shelters ensure wheelchair accessibility and space for wheelchair users to wait. The placement of the shelters also encourages bus drivers to park within designated bays, reducing traffic delays.
King George Sixth School Principal Augustin Omearo praised the new infrastructure for helping students arrive on time for classes, particularly during rain and contributing to the modernization of Honiara.
Secretary Ministry of Infrastructure Development Allan Lilia, Chief Executive Officer of Tropic Group Builders Justin Fuo’o, Kramer Ausenco Country Manager Daniel Tucker, Australian High Commission officials and Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program team members.
