Ahanga Wharf Project Resumes Progress with Acquisition of Advanced Piling Equipment

CCECC continues to demonstrate its commitment to community service by repairing the main unsealed approach road, facilitating improved travel for the in-land Bellona communities and the transportation of project materials.

The main piling operations will now utilize a rotary drilling machine to bore into the hard ground strata, forming the foundation for the wharf.

Construction crews illuminated the Ahanga beachhead to continue offloading heavy machinery, construction vehicles, and concrete mixing equipment from the docked vessel.

Heavy rock fill and aggregate are being placed along the foreshore to build up the site pad and protective sea bunds.

6^th August 2026

The contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), for the Ahanga Wharf project on Bellona Island, Rennell Bellona Province, has delivered a specialized machine capable of handling the complex task of foundation piling works.

The project has experienced delays over the past two months following early site investigations and preparatory works, which revealed ground conditions differing from initial expectations. In response, CCECC procured additional specialized piling equipment to ensure the works can proceed safely and efficiently. The main piling operations will now utilize a rotary drilling machine to bore into the hard ground strata, forming the foundation for the wharf.

“We are pleased to see that the contractor has responded swiftly by mobilizing additional specialized equipment to keep the project moving forward,” said Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Mike Qaqara.

“Despite the unforeseen ground conditions encountered at the site, we remain committed to completing this maritime infrastructure to serve the people of Rennell and Bellona Province by enhancing shipping access, transportation services, and economic opportunities.”

The contractor has successfully established site facilities at Ahanga, and the majority of foundation pile materials and key construction equipment have already been delivered to the site. CCECC continues to demonstrate its commitment to community service by repairing the main unsealed road, facilitating improved travel for island residents and the transportation of project materials. The contractor has also engaged local labor where appropriate, providing employment opportunities for the Bellonese people while supporting project implementation.

Given the project’s complexity, additional skilled personnel will be hired from Honiara—including operators, welders, concreters, masons, carpenters, and steel fixers.

Supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, this maritime component underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing national transport infrastructure—an essential driver of economic and social development in rural and remote areas.

Bellona Island, with an estimated population of over 3,000, along with its sister island Rennell, has long faced challenges due to inadequate maritime infrastructure and irregular shipping services, which hinder economic growth.

The ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) is working together with the Construction Supervision Consultant, KEI-TEDI, to oversee the project’s implementation alongside the Honiara Port upgrade and the Kirakira wharf.

This project is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

MID PRESS RELEASE