by Georgina Maka’a
Malaitans are expected to see China’s grand entry into their province with the tar-sealing of Auki’s poor road network, scheduled to start early next year.
This comes following the recent signing of the Implementation Agreement between Chinese Ambassador to Solomon Islands Cai Weiming and Solomon Islands’ minister responsible for roads Manasseh Maelanga.
Under the previous leadership of premier Daniel Suidani, China or any of its associated companies, was barred from doing business in Malaita.
That decision was based on the Auki Communique, a policy document Suidani’s MARA government produced after former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare controversially switched the country’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in September 2019.
But after Suidani was removed from power following three consecutive Sogavare-government backed no-confidence votes, the path was cleared for China to engage with Malaita Province.
China quickly announced a SBD$170 million infrastructure funding for Malaita – part of which would cover the 9.5 kilometre Auki tar-sealing project.
A survey team China dispatched to Auki recently to conduct preliminary and design work has completed its task.
And according to Chinese Ambassador Weiming, the team has returned to China to finalize detailed plans for implementation.
“Infrastructure and connectivity cooperation is an important part of the comprehensive Strategic Partnership between China and Solomon Islands,” Weiming stated.
Maelanga, who is minister for Infrastructure Development, said the Auki tar-sealing project is one of the biggests for Malaita.
“We appreciate China’s partnership in ensuring that tangible infrastructures are built in Solomon Islands,” Maelanga said.
Premier Elijah Asilaua said roads are important infrastructure for sustainable economic development.
“These infrastructures will become essential assets that facilitate and influence key indicators of economic progress,” the premier stated.
“Connecting good transportation infrastructure systems will mutually benefit private and public activities’ efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability and equity.
Asilaua also confirmed that his government will continue to prioritize economic development as they focus on creating a greater Auki city.
China Construction Communication Company Limited, a Chinese state-owned company, has been awarded the contract to build the road.
Malaita is Solomon Islands’ most populated province, boasting over 160,000 people.
It has an extensive road network that runs from provincial capital, Auki, to the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the province.
These dirt roads, however, have been poorly maintained over the years, resulting in the current bad state of the roads across the province.
