MALAITA Premier Martin Fini has welcomed the signing of Exchange Notes for the Auki Road Tar Sealing project in Malaita Province.
The signing ceremony between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga and Ambassador Cai Weiming begins the process for the feasibility study component of the project.
A Chinese feasibility study team is scheduled to arrive in Auki in January to conduct the study.
Premier Fini said the road network in Malaita plays a vital role in connecting the population by improving transport services and providing access to markets, education, economic and health services.
“This project is indeed a Christmas blessing for my Province and people who have been suffering the poor road conditions in and around Auki over the years. This project once completed will provide safe, quality and reliable road infrastructure for our capital township and other surrounding communities.
Premier Fini applauded the National Government and the People’s Republic of China for responding to this much needed project and conveyed his appreciation on behalf of the people of Malaita Province.
The Premier said Malaita Province needs further investment in transformative infrastructures to support its major projects such as the Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, Suava Economic Growth Centre, Malu’u CEMA Buying Centre and other socio-economic development projects around the Province.
“Road infrastructure holds the key to connect these development projects which will lead to transformation of the local economies,” he said.
Premier Fini pledged the Provincial Government’s full support for the People’s Republic of China, saying, the Province is prepared to work closely with PRC and the National Government to implement projects to be hosted in the Province.
Premier Fini is accompanied to the ceremony by his Minister for Commerce Edward Misite’e.
China’s newly appointed Ambassador to Solomon Islands H.E. Cai Weiming and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon. Manasseh Maelanga inked the Notes at a ceremony witnessed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Malaita Premier Martin Fini at the Prime Minister’s Office.
The signing of the Exchange Notes transpired from an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two parties in October this year.
The road network had suffered deteriorating conditions for many years resulting in poor transport services that negatively impacted economic activities and service delivery for Auki residence and neighboring communities.
Auki is the capital township of Malaita Province that hosted a number of key establishments including the Provincial Government Headquarter, key educational and health services, Commercial hub and Public Services and major entry ports including the Gwaunaru’u airport and Auki Wharf.
It is anticipated that once completed, the project will hugely improve service delivery and will increase commercial activities, especially, in the transportation sector in that part of the Province.
Hon. Maelanga applauded the progress made towards signing the Notes – highlighting that the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the bilateral cooperation between the two countries that truly symbolizes progress and development.
“This infrastructure development initiative holds immense potential for enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and improving the overall quality of life for the people of Auki and Malaita Province,” Maelanga said.
“The tar sealing of the Auki Road Network will not be a mere physical transformation, but it represents a tangible investment in the socio-economic development of the region. As the road infrastructure undergoes improvement, it is expected to facilitate improved transportation, encourage trade, and provide better access to essential services,” he added.
The Deputy Prime Minister further highlighted the China’s immediate response to this request from the Solomon Islands Government is a testament of deepening bilateral friendship and a symbol of constructive collaboration for the benefit of people and the broader development goals of Solomon Islands.
“I believe this collaboration reflects the shared vision of both nations to foster sustainable development and prosperity,” he said.
The positive impact of upgraded road networks on local communities, businesses, and overall regional development is a testament to the power of international partnerships in addressing critical infrastructure needs and promoting long-term socio-economic advancement for a shared future.
