Reconciliation held in Kolofe, North Malaita, following a violent incident at the project site
A reconciliation ceremony was held at Kolofe, Lau Mbaelelea constituency in North Malaita, on Tuesday, 23 December 2025.
The event follows an incident on 9 December, when a foreign worker at the Kolofe project site camp was slashed with a hook knife by thieves, in what is believed to have been an attempt to steal stored food within the camp premises.
The program included the presentation of three traditional shell money offerings (locally called “tau donga”): first, from an immediate family member of the suspects to the contractor; second, from local chiefs to the contractor; and third, from community and church leaders to representatives of the provincial and national governments.
The ongoing works on the Kolefe 1 and 2 bridges are funded by the World Bank and undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project II (SIRAP 2).
Gabriel Ri’ita, elder brother of one of the suspects, presented shell money to CCECC representative Tony Ran, saying it symbolized the bloodshed caused by the incident. Standing before the contractor and government delegation, he said in tears, “We are truly sorry for what our brother did to one of your workers. His actions were his own and do not represent our family.” He further expressed remorse and assured support to help locate their brother to surrender and face the law.
Chiefs’ representative Elson Labufunu, speaking on behalf of Lau Mbaelelea tribal leaders, presented shell money (tafuli’ae) to the contractor and emphasized that the incident was isolated and did not reflect the wider northern region. He also acknowledged the progress of the project since its inception and condemned the incident for the repercussions it caused. Chief Labufunu reaffirmed the community’s commitment to cooperating with the project teams until the completion of the critical road upgrade project.
presented shell money (tafuli’ae) to the contractor representative and
remarked that this incident does not reflect the entire northern region but is an isolated case.
Another shell money offering was given to government representatives, expressing apologies for the incident and seeking to repair the rift with project partners. Church leader Jonathan Suri, who oversaw the program, noted the impact on the region’s reputation. “This incident has caused pain and has unfairly stereotyped our community. We sincerely apologize to the contractor, project team, and provincial and national governments,” he said.
Mr. Ran, deputy project manager at Kolofe, accepted the apology and confirmed that work would continue. “We understand this was an isolated incident. We have built strong relationships with community members and remain committed to finishing the Kolefe bridges early next year,” he said.
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Inspector Polycarp Taloania urged the community to assist in apprehending the second suspect, who remains in hiding. “We call on the suspect to surrender voluntarily, as there are other cases against him. Our community policing approach is peaceful, but if he fails to show up, we will resort to tough measures,” he said. Police officers from the Malu’u police post have been assigned to the camp to ensure worker and property safety. One suspect has already been captured and awaits court deliberation at the Auki correctional facility. The victim is slowly recovering after being transferred to Honiara National Referral Hospital due to the severity of the knife wounds.
members to assist in apprehending the second suspect, who remains in hiding.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Deputy Chair of the SIRAP 2 National Steering Committee, Alwyn Danitofea, emphasized the importance of trust and collaboration. “Rebuilding trust and working closely with the government is essential,” he said. Mr. Danitofea, leading the government delegation from Honiara and Auki, encouraged chiefs and community leaders in Kolofe and North Malaita to work together for development. “Encourage our youth to adopt a positive attitude, and we will see more projects successfully implemented in our region. We must take responsibility and show the country and development partners that we are capable of protecting government assets and contributing to national development,” he added.
He further stressed that the visit demonstrates the national government’s seriousness in supporting Malaita’s development. “We have worked hard to bring road infrastructure projects to Malaita, and incidents like this downplay our efforts. Let us learn from our mistakes, work together, and support this international contractor, who also provides employment and technical expertise to local youth,” he said.
Malaita’s Provincial Secretary Eric George echoed the importance of collaboration in advancing development initiatives across the province. Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s Acting Director of Transport Infrastructure, Ishmael Alulu, played a key role in facilitating the reconciliation and reaffirmed support for the project, including efforts to resolve land disputes. “We are aware of a high court order, and our provincial works officers are actively engaging with landowners to find solutions that do not hinder project progress,” he said.
The ceremony was witnessed by villagers, elders, local laborers, the project support team, construction supervision engineers (EGIS), one provincial ward member George Ganiau, senior staff from MID and the Aviation Division, and the Auki police team. Malaita’s Premier Elijah Asilaua joined the delegation the following day, conducting community outreach at Sulugwalu and Kolofe Anglican Church, which drew a large turnout.
CCECC is in the final stages of completing the Kolefe bridges, with South Road-Bira and Su’u bridges reaching approximately 87% physical completion. The company is also contracted for the Auki Road Rehabilitation, Honiara West Honiara Highway Rehabilitation, East Guadalcanal Highway from Henderson to Mberande, Noro Township Road Improvement Project, and the maritime component of Asian Development Bank projects at Honiara Port, Kirakira, and Bellona Wharf.
Su’u bridges reaching approximately 87% physical completion.
These infrastructure projects reflect the Government for National Unity and Transformation’s (GNUT) commitment to improving connectivity and fostering sustainable development across the country.
SOURCE : MID Media Release
