BY JOY OFASIA
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Development is prioritizing road maintenance and upgrades in Honiara before moving to other provinces, says Minister Hon. Ricky Fuo’o.
Speaking during a media interview at the recent announcement of SBD60 million in funding to upgrade the Solomon Islands National Roads Network, Hon. Fuo’o said the focus on Honiara is due to the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting, which will be held in the capital in September.
“Honiara is the main economic hub of the country, and the roads should be completed before the PIF conference takes place,” the Minister of Infrastructure and Development (MID) said.
He explained that improving the condition of roads in Honiara is not just for the event, but also important for the economy.
“If the Honiara road is bad, all the major productions and companies go down, and in return, the GDP goes down,” he said. “So, by prioritizing Honiara roads first, we ensure activities become more efficient and help grow the economy.”
The SBD60 million funding, announced by Hon. Pat Conroy MP, Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, will be provided as a direct grant to the National Transport Fund. The funding will support government-priority roadworks, including those in Malaita Province and Honiara.
Hon. Fuo’o thanked Australia for supporting Solomon Islands’ infrastructure needs.
“Australia is responding to Solomon Islands’ priorities by investing in road and transport infrastructure. This will help boost economic opportunities and create jobs for our people,” he said.
