New 84-metre Fiu River Bridge in Malaita will improve safety, connectivity and climate resilience for local communities.
The tender for the construction of the new Fiu River Bridge in Malaita Province is closed on 18 September 2026, with the contract award expected by December 2026.
The Solomon Islands Government is seeking second Additional Financing from the World Bank for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with part of the proceeds to support payments for the Fiu River Bridge Replacement contract.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the implementing agency of SIRAP2, will oversee the replacement of the existing 77 metre steel truss Fiu River bridge with a new 84 metre climate-resilient bridge, featuring a two-lane carriageway and a dedicated pedestrian walkway.
MID Permanent Secretary, Mike Qaqara said, “The Fiu River Bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure for the communities and road users who depend on this connection. Replacing the existing bridge with a modern, climate-resilient structure will improve safety and reliability, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. We are pleased to see the procurement process progressing, and we remain committed to ensuring that all environmental and social requirements are properly addressed before construction begins.”
The Development Consent application together with the Public Environmental Report was submitted to the Environment and Conservation Division (ECD) of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology for review and pending approval.
Major construction works will include upgrading the approach roads, constructing new bridge foundations and superstructure, improving drainage systems, providing scour protection, undertaking embankment and pavement works, installing road safety features, and demolishing the existing bridge.
The Fiu River Bridge investment forms part of SIRAP2’s broader efforts to improve the safety, reliability and climate resilience of Solomon Islands’ transport infrastructure and strengthen connectivity for communities across the country.
SOURCE// MID PRESS RELEASE
