BY JOY OFASIA
Local contractors across the Solomon Islands are set to play a leading role in a major $60 million road network upgrade, in a move that’s expected to boost jobs and support the growth of local businesses.
The announcement was made during a media interview with the Minister for Infrastructure and Development, Hon. Ricky Fuo’o, following the recent visit by Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, Hon. Pat Conroy MP.
The Solomon Islands government, in partnership with Australia, has secured SBD60 million to improve roads across the country—and the work will be delivered entirely by local companies.
“This is great news for our local contractors,” said Hon. Fuo’o. “I hope they take this opportunity and use it to build their capacity and grow their human resources.”
The minister stressed that empowering local contractors is part of a broader plan to ensure Solomon Islanders take the lead in developing their own infrastructure.
“As the minister, I want to see locals growing our infrastructure. Solomon Islanders must be the drivers of infrastructure in our country,” he said.
He also urged local business owners to prepare themselves for future opportunities.
“We have to be active participants and not just sit back and watch others do things for us,” Hon. Fuo’o emphasized. “I encourage everyone to take heed of this—build your companies and invest in them, because more local content is coming.”
The road network upgrade is expected to begin in the coming months and will be implemented in stages across various provinces.
