NGC invests in major road upgrades to boost livelihoods, improve access to services, and support farmers in North Guadalcanal
The North Guadalcanal Constituency (NGC) office, under the leadership of Member of Parliament and Minister for Health Dr. Paul Bosawai, has invested $360,000 in rehabilitating four roads within the constituency. This initiative aims to enhance basic livelihoods and promote economic growth.
The NGC office is funding the rehabilitation work under its 2025 CDF budget allocation, provided by the national government through the essential sector grant component. Roads undergoing upgrades include Suagi Road, which passes through Bridge Barol to the Suagi community; Maluka; Gilutae; Ghaimali; and the access road to the Suagi Catholic Church.
Permanent Secretary John Niroa during a brief visit to
one of the rehabilitated road access to Taloa community on Wednesday this week.
Dr. Bosawai said these roads had previously deteriorated and been abandoned over the years, rendering them impassable and posing significant challenges for people especially farmers trying to transport produce to markets. He said that creating an enabling environment for communities, farmers, and constituents to participate meaningfully in socio-economic activities is a top priority of the NGC office under his leadership.
Last year, the NGC office invested $1.5 million in road infrastructure development and upgrades across the constituency, with funding support from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), including SBD$1 million under the Rural Sustainable Development Program (RSDP) in 2023; the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) through the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), which provided SBD$300,000 under the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme for 2024; and an additional SBD$200,000 from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) under the National Transport Fund (NTF).
Feeder roads maintained in 2024 include Taloa, Vutu, Ngalimbera, Koli, Komuporo, Tumurora, Ghorabau, Suagi, Roroni, and Rughavolo.
“These are vital economic investments for our people,” Dr. Bosawai said. “Our communities, farmers, and constituents are set to benefit significantly from these ongoing road maintenance efforts, which are crucial for both local livelihoods and the transportation of agricultural produce to Honiara,” he added.
He further stated that the initiative aims to improve accessibility for farmers and boost the region’s economic output, particularly in the oil palm sector.
“Roads in North Guadalcanal are not merely conduits for transportation; they are lifelines for the local economy. “The constituency is home to numerous oil palm out-growers, whose contributions play an essential role in the production output of Guadalcanal Plains Palm Oil Limited (GPPOL). This output is vital not only for local employment but also for the national economy of Solomon Islands,” Dr. Bosawai emphasized.
visit to Taloa community on Wednesday this week.
The Chairman of Taloa Community, Gabriel Vaghi, said the improvements have had a profound impact on the lives of residents, especially during emergencies and daily activities.
“In the past, when the roads were impassable, our communities found it really challenging to access health services in times of emergency,” Mr. Vaghi explained.
“Patients often had to endure long, difficult journeys to reach medical facilities, which sometimes proved life-threatening. Today, however, emergencies are handled much more efficiently. When there is a need, we just call, and an ambulance comes straight to our community, saving precious time and potentially saving lives,” he said.
Communities have also witnessed significant improvements in daily travel, particularly for women and girls. Previously, they had to walk long distances to reach the main road and catch transport, often facing safety concerns and fatigue. With the improved roads and transport services now reaching the communities directly, life has become easier and safer.
“Transport now comes straight to our communities, making it much more convenient for us to go about our daily activities, including going to markets,” Joyce Vaghi of Taloa Community said. “Our women and girls no longer have to walk long distances with their markets, which makes a huge difference in their safety and relief.”
Dr. Bosawai has been a strong advocate for economic infrastructure, such as roads, emphasizing their importance for constituents’ livelihoods.
“Maintaining roads within our constituency is not just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring that our people can access markets, transport their goods, and improve their quality of life,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Bosawai expressed sincere gratitude to the road contractor, Sustainable Resource Management (SRM), for their partnership in these essential maintenance projects.
“Our collaboration with SRM has been instrumental in restoring these roads to a condition that supports our community’s needs. “Farmers will find it easier to reach markets, and consumers in Honiara will benefit from a more reliable supply of goods,” he said.
Local communities, farmers, and constituents have also thanked the government through Dr. Bosawai and the constituency office for the road improvements, which provide vital access to essential services such as health, education, and markets. Residents shared similar sentiments, noting that the improved road infrastructure has not only enhanced mobility but also contributed to overall well-being and social development. Access to health, education, and economic opportunities has improved significantly, fostering a more resilient and thriving community.
The Health Minister said the NGC, under his leadership, remains committed to ensuring that these infrastructure developments lead to long-term economic benefits.
“The commitment to maintaining these roads reflects a broader vision for sustainable development in the region, fostering resilience and growth in the agricultural sector,” Dr. Bosawai emphasized. He added that he is optimistic about utilizing CDF to promote development for the betterment of his people and the country.
Dr. Bosawai also expressed gratitude to the government and all stakeholders for their funding support toward constituency development initiatives. He further announced that more road maintenance work will be carried out in 2026, emphasizing that roads are essential infrastructure for improving people’s livelihoods.
“The return on investment for these roads is greater than what we have invested, through economic engagement such as market access,” he added.
Dr. Bosawai also thanked God for His guidance and acknowledged the resilience and patience of the people of North Guadalcanal.
Other scheduled NGC projects for handover include 200 recipients of roofing irons; the Suagi clinic; logistical support for the 12 economic zones; support for tertiary students in 2026; and other livelihoods assistance programs.
SOURCE : Ministry of Rural Development
