IN a momentous event for the Bellona community, the arrival of China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) last week was greeted with enthusiasm as they began work on the Ahanga wharf project, Rennell Bellona Province.
This undertaking is a maritime component of the broader Land and Maritime Connectivity Project aimed at improving transport links in rural and remote areas of the Solomon Islands.
Upon landing on the shores of this beautiful Polynesian outlier, the CCECC team, accompanied by a safeguards officer from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), were greeted by the Community Advisory Committee, a provincial administration officer and community leaders and members.
Bellona people expressed their gratitude and support for the project and its potential to provide much-needed infrastructure and jobs for the island population.
This first shipment of construction materials, which departed from Honiara a fortnight ago, has successfully delivered all necessary supplies at the project site and has since returned to Honiara.
It marks the project’s initial phase: establishment of the contractor’s camp, office, and other supporting utilities.
Main construction activities include piling, concrete infilling, installation of beams, slabs & wharf furniture, etc. Over 90% of concrete slabs & beams will be precast in Honiara before shipping to the site. The actual construction activities are scheduled to commence in June, with CCECC expressing its commitment to engaging local labour during the construction phase, providing valuable opportunities for the islanders.
Given the peculiarity of the tasks ahead, additional skilful staff will be sourced from Honiara to meet the project’s specialised requirements, ranging from operators, welders, concreters, masons, carpenters, and steel fixers.
Locals will be engaged in the early stage as general labourers, securities, housekeepers and other duties. More locals will be trained and involved during the main construction stage.
The $55.8 million maritime project, supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Solomon Islands Government, highlights the government’s commitment to enhancing national transport infrastructure—critical for economic and social development in the nation’s rural and remote areas.
The project is expected to be fully completed by July 2026.
MID is working closely with the LMCP-engaged Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC) to oversee the execution of this project along with the Honiara Port upgrade and Kira Kira wharf.
