Australia has announced a further SBD10 million in grant support to the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund to upgrade critical road infrastructure in Makira-Ulawa Province.

The investment builds on the successful partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands, with a strong focus on Solomonisation: creating opportunities for Solomon Islands companies, suppliers and workers to deliver the country’s infrastructure priorities.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the handover, Minister for Infrastructure Development, Ricky Fuo’o, said the Government would continue working to reopen and improve key roads, reconnect communities and stimulate economic activity.

“Roads are a lifeline for communities across Solomon Islands, and so is investment in our local private sector to deliver these upgrades,” Fuo’o said.

“These projects improve access to schools, clinics and markets, while creating economic opportunities for our people and our companies,” 

The latest funding builds on Australia’s SBD100 million investment over the past two years to upgrade 15 key roads in Honiara and Malaita.

Central to this partnership is a commitment to local delivery. 

By contracting Solomon Islands companies and employing hundreds of local workers from communities along the roads, the investment is improving critical infrastructure while strengthening local skills and capability.

Member for West Makira and Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Derek Manu’ari, said the investment would help protect vital transport links across Makira.

“This funding will help preserve essential road links connecting our rural communities and supporting economic activity across Makira.

“The partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands continues to deliver practical infrastructure that makes a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.”

Premier of Makira-Ulawa Province, Stanley Siapu, welcomed the investment and its direct benefits for communities across the province.

“The people of Makira-Ulawa understand how important it is to maintain our road network to enhance connectivity,” Siapu said.

“Good roads improve access to markets, schools, health services, economic opportunities and emergency and disaster response services,” he added.

“We thank Australia for responding to the needs of our province and supporting safer and more reliable transport connections for our communities.” 

Recent road upgrades in Malaita demonstrate the practical benefits of safer and more reliable roads, with communities reporting shorter travel times, improved safety and lower costs for transporting goods, helping strengthen local markets and economic activity.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach said a defining feature of the partnership was that the work was being delivered by Solomon Islanders, for Solomon Islanders.

“Since this initiative began, we have seen local companies invest in new equipment, strengthen their skills and take on larger projects,” Roach said.

“Supporting Solomon Islands companies and workers to step up and deliver increasingly complex infrastructure is something Australia is proud to support,” he added.

“It is also why we continue to invest through the National Transport Fund and expand this approach across more provinces.” 

The SBD10 million funding will support road improvements in West Makira, from Waita to Marou Bay.