Visiting Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs Pat Conroy today announced an SBD$60 million to upgrade existing roads in Malaita and in capital Honiara.
Conroy made the announcement in the present of Ricky Fuo’o, the Minister for Infrastructure Development.
“The funding, provided as a direct grant to the National Transport Fund, will support the Government’s priority roads for maintenance, repairs and upgrades,” a statement issued by the Australian High Commission in Honiara, said.
“These include four key transport corridors in Malaita and eight roads in Honiara,” the statement added.
“Australia is listening and responding to Solomon Islands priorities – investing in road transport infrastructure to boost economic opportunities for local businesses and create jobs for the people of Solomon Islands.
Minister Conroy said the new commitment reflected Australia’s enduring partnership and support for Solomon Islands’ development priorities.
“It is with honour and gratitude that Australia stands together with Solomon Islands to reaffirm our friendship and shared commitment to a prosperous Solomon Islands,” Conroy said.
“Reliable, well-maintained roads are essential arteries of daily life, to get people to and from work and school, and to get fresh produce to market,” he added.
“By empowering local decision-making and fostering economic activity with local contractors, today’s investment will benefit communities, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs.”
Works will be delivered by local Solomon Islands contractors, boosting jobs and incomes in the private sector.
Minister Fuo’o said he had witnessed first-hand the impact of the reopening of the Malaita South Road last year, which was supported by Australia through the National Transport Fund and delivered by local contractors.
“Farmers can again get their produce to market, the cost of goods has halved, transport providers have reduced wear and tear of their vehicles and services like health and education are more accessible” Fuo’o said.
“I have also made a commitment this year to the people of Honiara to fix the city’s deteriorated road network, and this funding from Australia will help us achieve that goal, reducing the time and cost of daily travel for everyone,” he added.
The statement said Australia is the number one supporter of Solomon Islands’ economic and social infrastructure development, investing over SBD5 billion in 515 projects over the past five years.
“These include the Naha birthing and urban health clinic, the undersea internet cable to Australia and Papua New Guinea, border posts, the Tina River Hydropower power and solar projects, upgraded airfields, ports, and health facilities.
“Australia remains a reliable, close and steadfast partner—working alongside Solomon Islands to build a connected nation and region, and ensuring future generations benefit from sustainable infrastructure.”
Conroy leaves the country back to Australia today after his two-day engagement in Honiara.