SIRAP2 begins consultations in Malaita ahead of major road upgrades funded by the World Bank
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), with funding support from the World Bank, has mobilised teams to Malaita Province to commence community consultations and introduce contractors to communities ahead of major road improvement works.
A joint team comprising representatives from MID, the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, construction supervision consultant (Egis), and the contractors is currently in Malaita undertaking stakeholder engagement activities. The team is meeting with provincial authorities, landowners, community leaders, and residents along the project corridors to share information about the upcoming works, implementation timelines, environmental and social safeguards, traffic management arrangements, and opportunities for local participation during construction.
Following a competitive procurement process, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been awarded the contract for the North Road section, while Trades Transformation Company Limited (TTCL) has been awarded the contract for the East Road section.
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.
The road improvement works form part of the Solomon Islands Government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening transport infrastructure and improving connectivity throughout the country. Once completed, the improved road network is expected to reduce travel times, lower vehicle operating costs, enhance road safety, and improve all-weather access to markets, schools, health facilities, government services, and other essential services. The works are expected to create employment and business opportunities for local communities during the construction phase.
Acting Permanent Secretary of the MID, Mr. Mike Qaqara, emphasized the commencement of the works, stating.
“These road upgrades will deliver significant benefits to the people of Malaita by improving access and mobility for communities, businesses, and essential services. Better roads mean safer and more reliable travel for everyone and will contribute to economic development and improved livelihoods. We appreciate the support of the World Bank through SIRAP2 and encourage communities along the project corridors to work closely with the project team and contractors during implementation. Community cooperation will be important to ensure the successful delivery of these works and the long-term benefits they will bring to Malaita Province.”.
Beyond the two road works in Malaita, SIRAP2 continues to support broader investments that improve the safety, resilience, and sustainability of Solomon Islands’ road and aviation transport network.
PRESS RELEASE
