BY CHRIS ALEX
THE official commissioning of the Commonwealth Street Upgrades Project was marked by a significant gathering, with Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands, H.E Cai Weiming, delivering an address highlighting the deepening partnership between the two nations.
The project, funded by the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) and constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group, saw the upgrading of four main roads and improvements to the drainage system in the port area in Honiara.
A combined workforce of 15 Chinese and more than 40 Solomon Islands workers completed the project in just over two months.
Ambassador Cai extended his congratulations on the project’s successful completion and expressed sincere appreciation for the hard work of engineers and workers from both countries.
“The completion of the Commonwealth Street Upgrade Project is another testament to the strength and depth of the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Solomon Islands,” stated Ambassador Cai.
He emphasized that since the establishment of diplomatic relations and the signing of the Belt and Road cooperation agreement five years ago, numerous infrastructure projects have been successfully implemented across the country.
Chinese companies have played a key role in Solomon Islands’ infrastructure development through various aid, loan, and contract agreements.
These projects include sports stadiums, university buildings, hospitals, hydropower stations, roads, bridges, seaports, airports, and communication towers, covering Honiara and almost all nine provinces.
Beyond delivering high-quality projects, Chinese firms have contributed to job creation and knowledge transfer, supporting economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
Ambassador Cai reiterated China’s commitment to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), first introduced by President Xi Jinping in 2013. The initiative promotes policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, trade facilitation, financial integration, and people-to-people ties, fostering global cooperation and development. With over 150 countries and 30 international organizations participating, the BRI has delivered thousands of tangible projects worldwide.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Cai announced the upcoming China-Aid Aoki Road project, set to begin soon at the invitation of Minister Maelanga.
This project aims to enhance inter-provincial connectivity in Malaita province, improving travel safety, facilitating trade, and supporting industry growth in the region.
“China is ready to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government to implement more projects for the betterment of our shared future,” he affirmed, reinforcing China’s commitment to the long-term development and prosperity of Solomon Islands.
