AUSTRALIA’S High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, has joined Prime Minister Hon Jeremiah Manele to witness the signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding for Malaita’s South Road Rehabilitation Project as part of the 41st Second Appointed Day celebrations at the Auki Showgrounds.
Australia will deliver essential infrastructure support to make the Malaita South Road reliable and climate resilient for local communities and the economy.
The South Road is the only land link to communities in South Malaita and is currently impassable to all but 4WD vehicles, yet is essential for Malaita’s economic development.
Local employer, Trades Transformation Company, has begun emergency repairs worth SBD11 million along the entire road to Maoa Bridge, while planning is underway for the longer-term rehabilitation of the road.
High Commissioner Hilton joined the Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon Manasseh Maelanga, Member for Aoke-Langalanga, Hon Matthew Wale, and Premier of Malaita, Hon Elijah Asilaua, at the road’s starting point in Ambu village to also announce additional support for the longer-term rehabilitation of the road from Auki to Bina.
Minister Maelanga acknowledged Australia’s ongoing partnership support for the government’s infrastructure plans, both in Malaita and across the nation.
“The rehabilitation of the South Road is a critical link in government’s National Transport Core Initiative Plan to extend connectivity throughout Malaita, as well as to the proposed Bina Harbour development,” Minister Maelanga said.
“The opening up of the road will stimulate socio-economic activities and contribute to economic growth. This is consistent with Solomon Islands’ macroeconomic priority to grow the economy.”
“I call on our resource owners and our communities along the South Road to give your full support to these projects. They will immensely benefit our people and our province. I urge us to make use of the generous support from our friends from Australia.”
High Commissioner Hilton said the two projects combined will make travelling the South Road safer, faster, and more reliable.
“For the people of South Malaita, connectivity is more than just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. This road is the artery that brings life to community, enabling the flow of goods, services, and people,” High Comissioner Hilton said.
“The South Road is essential for Malaita’s economic development, to improve lives, and to support the government’s vision for Bina Harbour.”
“As Solomon Islands’ nambawan infrastructure partner, we’re proud to be supporting a project that is about quality, long-term sustainability, and creating jobs and income for Malaita families.”
Premier Asilaua thanked the Australian Government for their ongoing support.
“For far too long our people along the South Road have been denied reliable access to the provincial capital Auki from their communities due to the bad road conditions,” Premier Asilaua said.
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the government and the good people of Australia for this tremendous package of support given to our communities along the South Road.
“Through this support, women along the South Road will be able to come to Auki with their produces to sell at the market in Auki, earning income to meet basics for their families.”
“Children will be able to go to school. Police will be able to undertake public safety and law and order duties. Our community will be connected and unified.”
Speaking on behalf of the communities on the South Road, Chief Francis Tooifiliu thanked the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian Government and the Malaita Provincial Government for joining together to support the communities essential infrastructure.
“Members of our communities sometimes have to walk through swamps to get sea transport to Auki because the roads are in such a bad condition,” Chief Tooifiliu said.
“When completed we will again have access to basic and lifesaving services that were not easily accessible to us because of the bad roads. So thank you very much.”
Australia will be working closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and the Malaita Provincial Government to commence work under the Malaita South Road Rehabilitation Project as quickly as possible.
The emergency works are scheduled to be completed by mid-2025.
