Ground-breaking ceremony marks official start of climate-resilient road project benefiting over 7,300 Noro and Munda residents
Noro will see the improvement of its roads following a ground-breaking ceremony on June 19, 2024. The event marked the official commencement of the Noro Roads Improvement Project.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the World Bank, the contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Permanent Secretaries from the Ministries of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) and Communication and Aviation, the Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Premier and Provincial Secretary of Western Province and community leaders in Noro town.
The project aims to make the roads climate-resilient by repairing potholes, raising road levels and improving the road surface and drainage systems. This initiative will benefit over 7,300 residents in the Noro and Munda wards by providing safer and more reliable access to markets and essential services such as employment, health and education. Additionally, the project is expected to reduce travel times and vehicle operating costs, thereby enhancing the quality of life for Western Province residents.
McKinnie Dentana, Permanent Secretary of MOFT, highlighted the significance of this moment for stakeholders in Noro. He appreciated the World Bank’s support for the Noro Roads under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) through a rigorous negotiation process. “Noro, as an economic hub with numerous businesses, requires high-standard roads to foster the region’s economic growth,” he added.
Alison Ofotalau, World Bank Operations Officer, stated that “starting these road works is a significant step toward improving life for over 7,300 residents in the Noro and Munda wards.” She emphasized that “this project is more than just the construction of roads; it is about building a better future for the community.”
Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo, who is also a member of the provincial assembly for Noro ward, expressed his appreciation to the World Bank and the national government for prioritizing Noro Roads. He stated that the upgraded roads would significantly boost economic activities in Noro, Western Province and the country as a whole.
Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Infrastructure Ministry, Andrew Houlia, spoke on behalf of the ministry, emphasizing the importance of the Noro Roads to the communities. He encouraged community members to respect and support the contractors throughout the construction process.
The China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been appointed as the contractor for the Noro Roads upgrading works, which are funded by the World Bank through SIRAP2 at a total cost of over SBD 100 million.
In addition to the Noro Roads improvements, SIRAP2 is also constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe 1, Kolofe 2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrading Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, investing in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces and supporting regional airport maintenance.
Source: SIRAP
