BY JOY OFASIA
Makira Ulawa Province Premier Stanley Siapu has acknowledged the Australian Government for its SBD10 million support towards road rehabilitation in the province.
He described the assistance as an important step towards improving connectivity and economic development.
Speaking during the funding announcement at Heritage Park hotel this morning, Premier Siapu expressed gratitude to the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership.
“Your steadfast partnership and unwavering commitment through DFAT under the Solomon Islands-Australia partnership continues to touch the lives of rural Solomon Islanders in a meaningful way you are a real and genuine friend to us,” Premier Siapu said.
He said the funding brought hope to the provincial government and people, who have faced longstanding challenges with poor road conditions and inadequate infrastructure.
“Our farmers have at times struggled to get their cocoa and copra to market, our pregnant mothers and sick citizens have faced hazardous journeys to access basic healthcare, and our children’s access to education has been at times disrupted by unpredictable road and river conditions,”
He said.
Under the funding, the provincial government has endorsed road rehabilitation along the West Makira road, covering approximately 25 to 30 kilometres from Waita to Marou Bay.
He further acknowledged Australia’s grassroots development assistance, noting that additional successful projects had been allocated to Makira-Ulawa Province this year.
Premier Siapu called on communities and stakeholders to cooperate with contractors to ensure the road rehabilitation project is completed successfully.
“I appeal to all stakeholders in this quest for us to all work together hand-in-hand to see this project through to its successful completion in order to deliver its mandate,” the Premisaid.
He said the project would help strengthen local trade, agriculture, private businesses and access to essential services, particularly for rural communities in West Bauro and West Makira.
The Premier also acknowledged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) for its continued support and coordination through the National Transport Fund (NTF), ensuring Makira-Ulawa remains a priority in national infrastructure development.
