Opposition Leader calls on the government to urgently repair damaged roads and bridges amid ongoing bad weather risks
The Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale, has called on the Government to urgently address deteriorating roads and transport infrastructure across the country.
Reports of damage to critical infrastructure in Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces, caused by ongoing bad weather, are raising concerns about public safety.
Wale said he has received reports of damage to the Tabalia Bridge, which serves as a key transport link for communities in Northwest, West and South Guadalcanal, and requires urgent attention that should not wait until the weather improves.
“We do not want to force communities that rely on that bridge to travel by sea in the current weather conditions. There may be other similar damage to critical infrastructure which needs to be given urgent attention,” he said.
Wale said bridges are vital lifelines for communities and that immediate action is required to prevent further damage and protect lives. He said the bad weather has caused serious concern for communities that depend on key bridges, with reports of damage, flooding and restricted access.
He said these conditions have disrupted transport, isolated rural communities, and delayed access to health services, schools and markets.
“Every time we experience bad weather, bridges and infrastructures are damaged or become unsafe. Our people should not be cut off from essential services because of poor planning and delayed action,” he said.
In and around Honiara, the bad weather has again resulted in damage to city roads as well as feeder roads.
Wale said that while ongoing road upgrades around Honiara are acknowledged, there should be no excuse for a lack of immediate maintenance.
He said the situation highlights years of neglect and failure to prioritise the maintenance of vital infrastructure. He also stressed the need for transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending to ensure projects are built to proper standards and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
“It is becoming frustrating that roads in some parts of the city and feeder roads are intended to be maintained every week. There seem to be no accountability and proper standards by companies when it comes to maintaining roads that can withstand bad weather,” he said.
The Opposition is calling on the Government to immediately:
- Conduct urgent safety assessments of all affected bridges, especially in Malaita and Guadalcanal
- Carry out emergency repairs and provide temporary crossings where necessary
- Commit funding for long-term, climate-resilient bridge construction
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SOURCE : OFFICE OF THE LEADER OF OPPOSITION
