^{by Lesley Sanga, Stringer, Malaita Province}

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says the tar-sealing of roads in Malaita’s provincial capital Auki, to be funded by China, is starting soon.

Manele stated this in his address to the people of Malaita, Thursday, at an event organised to mark the province’s 41st Second Appointed Day.

“I am happy to inform the premier and the good people of Malaita that the tar-sealing of Auki roads will start very soon,” he said.

Roads in Auki, and across the province, have been in their worst of state in recent years, sparking calls for national government intervention.

Speaking to Malaitans in his first trip to the province since assuming power in May this year, Manele underscored the importance of improving infrastructure in Malaita.

“With the largest population, infrastructure can stimulate economic growth and activities that ensure people remain to work and develop the province’s aspirations,” the prime minister said.

Malaita is served by a network of dirt roads built way back in the 1970s. The roads were never sealed.

The proposal for the tar-sealing project was initiated in July last year during a visit to China by a government official.

China responded with green light, resulting in a Memorandum of Understanding being sealed in Honiara in October last year.

Early this year, a team of engineers from China came over and conducted a feasibility study, resulting in securing grant funding for the project in July this year when Manele undertook a state visit to China. 

Total funding for the project has not be disclosed to date.

A representative of the Chinese Embassy in Honiara Gu Wenlong said China is committed to this project and will develop more cooperation with the province.

The tar-sealing project is expected to cover the Auki township – stretching from Kwaibala to the South to Kilu’ufi towards the North.

Prime Minister Manele also revealed ongoing discussions with China to seal the road from Dala in central Kwara’ae to Atori in East Malaita.

Manele urges Malaitans to work together and welcome development partners so that developments can proceed in the province.