BY JOY OFASIA
The Government of Australia has provided an additional SBD10 million to support road rehabilitation and maintenance in Makira-Ulawa Province through the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund.
The funding was announced during a handover ceremony held at the Heritage Park Hotel in Honiara this morning, attended by the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Honourable Ricky Fuo’o, the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Hon. Rexson Ramofafia and the Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Honourable Stanley Siapu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Premier Siapu expressed gratitude to the Australian Government and people for their continued support through the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership.
He described the funding announcement as a significant milestone in Makira-Ulawa’s journey towards sustainable economic growth, improved connectivity and social transformation.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Makira-Ulawa Province, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Australia,” Premier Siapu said.
He said the partnership continued to make a meaningful difference in the lives of rural Solomon Islanders.
Meanwhile, Minister Fuo’o acknowledged Australia’s contribution of AUD1.8 million, equivalent to approximately SBD10 million, to the National Transport Fund.
He said the funding demonstrated Australia’s confidence in the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the National Transport Fund to deliver infrastructure that improves people’s lives.
“This contribution clearly demonstrates the confidence and trust the Government of Australia has in my Ministry and the National Transport Fund to deliver infrastructures that improves the lives of our people,” Fuo’o said.
The additional support is expected to strengthen road connectivity and support economic activities in the targeted provinces as the Solomon Islands continues to improve its transport infrastructure.
The support, worth AUD1.8 million, will build on previous road infrastructure projects in Honiara and Malaita, with the next phase focusing on improving road access in Makira-Ulawa.
The investment forms part of more than 100 kilometres of additional road maintenance and rehabilitation works planned across Makira-Ulawa, Honiara and Malaita.
The projects will aim to improve community connectivity, strengthen access to markets and essential services, and create employment opportunities for local people.
All projects will be delivered by Solomon Islands contractors, supporting local employment, skills development and business growth.
