27 November 2013
Roadwork and repairs get underway in Honiara
Seven major contracts have been awarded which will see more than 40 kilometres of roadwork repairs and maintenance undertaken during the next two years in and around Honiara. The scope of works is worth more than SBD$43 million.
A further two tenders are currently underway and will be finalised soon. The Solomon Islands Government and Australia are funding the roadwork.
Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Moses Virivolomo, said drivers will soon see a great improvement in road conditions.
“Work is already underway in many locations around Honiara and will be ongoing over the coming months. This will ensure our roads are maintained, especially during the wet season, and help ease traffic congestion in town,” Mr Virivolomo said.
Mr Virivolomo said improving road infrastructure and maintaining roads in both Honiara and around the country is very important.
“Good transport infrastructure benefits the whole country. Reliable transport means reliable access to markets and essential services, which means better income earning opportunities, more jobs and families able to enjoy a better standard of living.”
Through the Solomon Islands Government’s National Transport Fund, Australia is providing A$30 million over four years to maintain and improve roads, bridges and wharves in Solomon Islands.
Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Matt Anderson said Australia has a long-term commitment to help Solomon Islands improve its transport infrastructure.
“Improving road infrastructure and maintaining roads, bridges and wharves are a critical part of Australia’s partnership with the Solomon Islands Government,” Mr Anderson said.
The Transport Sector Development Project funded by the Asian Development Bank also supports the work undertaken through the National Transport Fund. The priorities are set in the Solomon Islands Government’s National Transport Plan.
The scope of works currently underway in Honiara and Guadalcanal includes:
Solomon Sheet Steel Construction Ltd – SBD$9.6 million contract to rehabilitate and maintain selected West Honiara sealed roads.
Dalgro SI Ltd – SBD$5.5 million contract to rehabilitate and reseal sections of a 5.5 km stretch of Honiara Highway (White River to Lawson Tama/China Town Drive).
Red Devil Transport Ltd - SBD$5.3 million contract to rehabilitate and reseal sections of a 5.1 km stretch of Honiara Highway (between Lawson Tama/China Town Drive to KG6).
Ropiko Enteprises Ltd – SBD $4.5 million contract to rehabilitate and reseal sections of a 3.6 km stretch of Honiara Highway (between KG6 and Henderson Airport).
Capitol Construction – SBD$3.4 million contract for St Martins Road rehabilitation works, Guadalcanal Province.
Capitol Construction – SBD$3.5 million contract for rehabilitation and maintenance of selected unsealed feeder roads in East Honiara.
Emco Pacific Ltd - SBD$2.9 million contract for rehabilitation and maintenance of Honiara selected unsealed feeder roads in East and Central Honiara.