The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), is supporting communities along the Henderson–Mberande Road corridor with improved washing facilities to promote community wellbeing and ensure that road infrastructure investments deliver practical benefits to local residents.
A washing slab at Mangautu River in the GPPOL area has recently been completed, providing the local community with an improved facility for washing activities. The facility is part of LMCP’s efforts to support community needs alongside the ongoing road upgrade works.
In a further step towards extending this support, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed with Okea Community for the construction of another washing slab. The agreement marks progress in the project’s engagement with communities to identify and support small-scale infrastructure initiatives that improve everyday living conditions.
MID Permanent Secretary Mike Qaqara said the initiative demonstrates the importance of ensuring that infrastructure development delivers benefits beyond improved roads and transport connectivity.
“Road development is not only about improving transport and connectivity. It is also about supporting the communities who live along these corridors and ensuring they benefit from the investment. These washing facilities are a practical response to community needs and contribute to improved living conditions. We encourage communities to work closely with the project team and take ownership of these facilities to ensure they are properly maintained and continue to serve residents for years to come,” Mr. Qaqara said.
The completion of the Mangautu River washing slab highlights LMCP’s ongoing engagement with communities along the road corridor. By supporting facilities that respond to local needs, the project aims to complement the broader benefits of improved road access with initiatives that contribute to community development and wellbeing.
The signing of the MOU with Okea Community represents the next step in this initiative, with the proposed washing slab expected to provide similar benefits once construction is completed.
The Henderson–Mberande Road upgrade is being undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) under LMCP, a partnership between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Solomon Islands.
Through LMCP, MID continues to support improved connectivity while working with communities to ensure that infrastructure development contributes to better living conditions and inclusive development along the road corridor.
