Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton is in Malaita to celebrate its Second Appointed Day and confirm Australia’s steadfast commitment to improving jobs, economic growth and infrastructure for Solomon Islands most populous province. 

Hilton was warmly welcomed back by Premier Elijah Asilaua and Members of the Malaitan Provincial Government Executive at the start of the two-day visit and enjoyed a meeting with the newly elected Malaitan Provincial Government. 

The High Commissioner then joined the Premier, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Manasseh Maelanga, and Minister for National Planning and Development Cooperation, Rexon Ramofafia to announce two major Australian-supported infrastructure projects for the Malaita South Road.

_{^{H.E Rod Hilton delivering his speech during the Malaita South Road sign unveiling in Malaita: Credits: Photo sulied.}}

Australia is funding SBD11 million emergency repair works by local employer Trades Transformation Company to make the entire length of road passable, while preparations are underway for the second longer-term jointly funded SBD60.5 million rehabilitation project.

These essential works will make the road reliable and climate resilient.

“The South Road is essential for Malaita’s economic development and the government’s vision for Bina Harbour,” High Commissioner Hilton said. 

“As Solomon Islands’ nambawan infrastructure partner, we’re proud to be supporting a project that is about quality, long-term sustainability, and creating jobs and income for Malaita families,” he added.

The High Commissioner also joined Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, and other members of the National and Provincial Governments, to witness the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the rehabilitation project.

At a Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement (CAUSE) project, supported by Australia and the World Bank, which contributes to jobs and infrastructure access across key urban centres, the High Commissioner joined the Premier and Opposition leader Matthew Wale to hand over the completed Ambu multipurpose community hall, which was built by the local community. 

The High Commissioner visited a community-led development project in east Malaita to launch a new three-year partnership between Australia and the Baru Conservation Alliance to support climate-resilient conservation, saying the project would work towards attaining Protected Area status for selected land in the highlands of East Kwaio, reducing deforestation and emissions, and ultimately helping to stem climate change.

The High Commissioner also signed a new partnership agreement with Auki tourism operators – the Taflabana Guesthouse, Haodaikirio Homestay and BH Family Lodge and Apartments – to improve accommodation and services and support growth in the tourism sector. 

The High Commissioner’s visit continues today with the 41st Second Appointed Day celebrations at the Auki Showgrounds.