Malaita road upgrades move closer to construction after consultations, with works planned for North and East Road corridors.
Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with funding support from the World Bank, has recently concluded community consultations ahead of major road improvement works in Malaita Province.
A joint team comprising representatives from MID, the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, construction supervision consultant (Egis Asia), and the contractors undertook stakeholder engagement activities across Malaita. The team met with provincial authorities, landowners, community leaders, and residents along the project corridors to provide information on the upcoming works, implementation timelines, environmental and social safeguards, traffic management arrangements, and opportunities for local participation during construction.
The consultations were also aimed to ensure that communities and other stakeholders are well informed and prepared before construction commences.
As part of the due diligence, the two contractors, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and Trades Transformation Company Limited (TTCL), are finalising their Contractors’ Environmental and Social Management Plans (CESMPs) for submission and approval.
Once the CESMPs are approved, the contractors will immediately proceed with mobilisation and preparations for construction activities.
Under the contracts, CCECC will undertake bituminous sealing works on approximately 12 kilometres of the North Road, from the Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to the Kwaisuliniu Road Junction. TTCL will carry out routine maintenance and regravelling works on approximately 21 kilometres of the East Road, from Baratolo to Atori.
Permanent Secretary of MID, Mr. Mike Qaqara, said the consultations were an important step in ensuring communities are informed and engaged before construction begins.
“These road improvement works are an important investment in Malaita’s transport infrastructure and will bring significant benefits to communities along the North and East Road corridors. Improved roads will provide safer and more reliable access for people, businesses and essential services, while also supporting local economic activities.”
The road improvement works are expected to improve connectivity and road access for communities along the two corridors, while enhancing access to markets, schools, health facilities, government services, and other essential services. The works are also expected to create employment and business opportunities for local communities during the construction phase.
SOURCE// MID PRESS RELEASE
