by Ronald Toito’ona

Dubbed the ‘Economic Bridge’, this new Tinahulu facility at Gold Ridge, Central Guadalcanal, was officially opened by senior government ministers, directors of the Gold Ridge Mining Limited, and local land owners, Tuesday this week.

With its construction completed, the bridge now provides much-needed connectivity to remote communities in the region, stimulating economic growth, improving access to services, and fostering stronger ties between the Solomon Islands and its international partners.

The construction of the new bridge was led by Mingqing Gao, Chairman of Wanguo Gold Group, Gold Ridge Mining Limited Board, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GRML.

Construction commenced two years ago, when Gao and his company collaborated closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Ministry of Finance, securing necessary funds and advancing the project. 

With strong support from the local community, the project moved swiftly from planning to construction. 

After more than a year of focused effort, this grand new structure now stands complete—a modern bridge over the Tinahulu River.

How it all started

Speaking at the ceremony to commission the new Tinahulu Bridge, Gao recalled his early days of engagement with the Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) and his first experience with the old bridge.

“Reflecting back to February 2016, the group established Gold Ridge in the Solomon Islands with a vision of exploring mineral reserves, guided by God’s direction. The journey to the mining area was challenging due to rough roads, yet it was possible. 

“However, upon reaching the bank of the Tinahulu River, we encountered the obstacle of a destroyed bridge, which posed a major challenge to our exploration efforts,” Gao recalled.

Confronted with the broken bridge, Gao said he felt a profound sense of responsibility. 

“We had traveled far from home in search of valuable mineral reserves, and this bridge became a significant barrier on his journey. 

“Yet, this very challenge strengthened our resolve—not only to advance our geological work but also to build a new Tinahulu Bridge, ensuring a safe and accessible route to the Gold Ridge mine site,” he said.

This bridge, spanning across north and south like a rainbow, has turned what was once an impassable terrain into a pathway. 

It marks a significant step forward for Wanguo Gold Group in the South Pacific and is a testament to our steadfast commitment and diligent efforts toward the successful development of Gold Ridge, Gao added.

For Gao and the Wanguo Gold Group, the new Tinahulu bridge is not merely a means of transportation but also a link connecting hearts and promoting progress. 

The new bridge will bring convenience to local residents, so they are no longer isolated by heavy rains, allowing those who have lived on this land for generations to reside in peace and stability.

The bridge – built from tax credit scheme 

As a major infrastructure project funded through a tax credit scheme, the bridge demonstrates a successful public-private partnership that prioritizes regional development and community inclusion.

With a huge financial support from Gold Ridge Mining under the tax credit initiative, this project progressed steadily until its completion. 

The tax credit scheme is a crucial component of this project, as it allowed Gold Ridge to invest directly into the local infrastructure. 

Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister for Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification (MMERE), Bradley Tovosia was also part of the high-level government delegation that attended the commissioning event.

Tovosia spoke highly of the tax credit scheme.

“Instead of traditional tax allocations funneled into central government accounts, the funds were directed specifically to build the bridge, benefiting the surrounding communities directly.

“This is a straightforward investment in our community,” said the Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal.

“When we invest in infrastructure through tax credits, the local people see tangible benefits,” he added.

Walton Naezon, Chairman of GCIL, also praised the tax credit scheme and highlighted the need for government leaders to continue supporting tax credit programs, which have the potential to drive growth across other provinces. 

“The tax credit scheme is a valuable provision established by our Constitution and legal framework, providing opportunities for public-private partnerships in essential infrastructure projects,” Naezon said.

“As we move forward, it is crucial to deepen our understanding of how this scheme operates and how it can be further leveraged for national development,” he added.

“The permanent secretaries of Finance and Mines have been instrumental in guiding us through the complexities of this initiative, demonstrating its potential impact.”

Minister of Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare also commended this scheme as an effective way to hold private investment accountable, tying tax benefits directly to community-oriented projects like the new Tinahulu bridge.

“The tax credits linked to this project highlight the strategic partnership between the government and private investors. 

“This approach ensures that tax exemptions are directly tied to specific accomplishments, such as infrastructure improvements and job creation. 

“It strengthens accountability and supports economic growth and community development,” said the former Prime Minister.

In his words at the commissioning event, Member of Parliament for Central Guadalcanal, Peter Shannel Agovaka thanked the government line ministries for the tax credit scheme, which has supported Gold Ridge in building this bridge. 

“On behalf of the landowners of Gold Ridge, I extend our gratitude to the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and the Ministry of Commerce for your assistance through the tax credit scheme. 

“I fully agree with Naezon that the tax credit scheme is an excellent initiative that can support the development of other infrastructure projects as well,” the foreign affairs minister and central Guadalcanal MP stated.

A landmark and economic lifeline for remote communities

The Tinahulu single-lane Bridge is not only new but a landmark in Central Guadalcanal, which provides access for remote communities in the Gold Ridge area who travel daily to Honiara.

It is also an economic lifeline, offering improved access to government services, educational institutions, clinics, hospitals, and the wider community of Gold Ridge, Turarana, and beyond. 

Agovaka emphasized that this new bridge not only stimulates trade but also promotes inclusivity, as people can now access essential services previously out of reach due to weather-imposed isolation.

“This bridge will support and stimulate economic growth, help reduce poverty, and allow people to travel freely to conduct business, support trade, and enhance connectivity. 

“It will improve accessibility for my people in Gold Ridge, Turarana, and other areas here in Central Guadalcanal, giving them better access to medical services, specialized services, and business opportunities,” the central Guadalcanal MP said.

Naezon on the other hand, also highlighted in his remarks that the new Tinahulu bridge is a crucial access point that allows remote communities to connect with government services, educational institutions, clinics, hospitals, and the wider community. 

“This bridge represents a vital link that will enable the people here to engage with government and essential services, regardless of the weather—be it rain, cyclone, or any challenging conditions.

“In essence, this bridge is an ‘economic bridge’, designed to support and enhance economic activities in our region. It will serve as a pathway for the resources from Gold Ridge to be exported, ultimately contributing to the revenue of our country,” said Mr Naezon.

Investment and Community Ownership

Guadalcanal Premier Willie Atu also praised the bridge’s construction as a meaningful investment directly benefiting local people and the surrounding communities. 

He acknowledged the importance of investors like Mr. Gao and the Gold Ridge Mining team in fostering economic resilience. “When we look at it closely, the economic engine of any nation is driven by investors and businesses,” Premier Atu said. 

He also thanked Chief Walton Naezon and other community leaders, commending their visionary role in seeing this project through to completion.

Premier Atu further stated that the people of Guadalcanal, who have hosted large-scale projects, deserve to see the fruits of their resources reinvested in their land. 

He called on government officials to ensure that infrastructure benefits flow to all communities, not only in Guadalcanal but also in other provinces seeking development.

Central Guadalcanal MP, Shannel is also hopeful that the new infrastructure will promote inclusivity by enabling economic and social inclusion, therefore, wishes to thank local landowners for their support.

“I also want to express my gratitude to the original landowners—the 16 tribes of Gold Ridge—who have stood beside me to sign this mining agreement, granting access to the land from the access road to the entire area here. 

“A special thanks to the Tinahulu landowners for allowing us to use your land for this bridge. 

“I hope the bridge is resilient against climate change, so it can withstand potential future floods that might impact the ground and the bridge itself. I trust that this infrastructure will be climate-resilient,” Shannel said.

A Symbol of Progress and Hope

The event concluded with congratulatory messages from leaders to the engineers, construction workers, and local community members who worked tirelessly to bring the bridge to life.

 For Central Guadalcanal, the new Tinahula Bridge is a true example of what can be achieved through cooperation, resilience, and vision. 

According to those that spoke at the commissioning event, the new bridge is more than an infrastructure milestone but a beacon of hope, connectivity, and economic opportunity that will serve generations to come.

Gao also highlighted that the completion of the bridge not only symbolizes the achievement of his group’s efforts in connecting the Northern Hemisphere to the South Pacific but also embodies their determination to develop Gold Ridge. 

“The bridge’s completion is also of great significance to the local community. It will facilitate the continued development of Gold Ridge, improving the lives of the people in surrounding areas,” he stated.

As Chairman of Wanguo Gold Group, he said Wanguo is committed to upholding philosophies of sustainable development—protecting the environment while creating economic and social benefits for the people of the Solomon Islands.

ENDS/