The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project Management Unit (PMU) today brought together Solomon Islands contractors for an important consultation on their participation in the Inclusive Contract Repackaging Strategy for Asphalt Concrete (AC) Roads.
The meeting hosted at the Iron Bottom Sound Hotel conference room highlighted a new approach designed to broaden local participation in road works by segmenting major contracts into smaller, manageable scopes.
This will allow national contractors to bid for labour-intensive components such as earthworks, drainage, and pedestrian infrastructure, while larger and more specialised firms handle complex technical works like base course preparation and asphalt sealing.
CAUSE II is bringing 25 large contracts to market.
With this new strategy, the project will apply repackaging to the nine programme roads—transforming what might have been only 9 tenders into three to four times that number.
By multiplying opportunities, the strategy makes contracts more accessible to smaller contractors while still maintaining pace and quality.
A recent survey of 40 contractors revealed strong readiness among local firms for small-scale projects but limited capacity to manage medium and large AC road packages.
By restructuring contract scopes, CAUSE II is responding directly to this reality, creating opportunities for smaller firms to grow while ensuring quality and timely delivery of resilient roads.
In attendance at the consultation were potential small and large contractors, Director of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID’s) Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, Ishmael Alulu, representatives from the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), Strongim Bisnis, and Business Link Pacific.
Their presence underscored the collective commitment to strengthening local capacity and linking contractors with essential support services.
Speaking on behalf of small contractors, one participant welcomed the new approach:
“This strategy really gives us a fair chance to compete. It matches our current capacities, allows us to learn and grow, and ensures we can play a meaningful role in building the nation’s roads.”
Discussions also focused on the broader support ecosystem needed for long-term success, including training, business advisory services, and transparent procurement processes. Contractors expressed appreciation for the strategy and the chance to participate in projects that will directly benefit Solomon Islander communities.
By aligning infrastructure investment with inclusive economic participation, CAUSE II is ensuring that development is shared more equitably.
The consultation represents a step forward in empowering local enterprises, creating jobs, and building the foundations for resilient, sustainable urban growth across the Solomon Islands.
The consultation represents a step forward in empowering local enterprises, creating jobs, and building the foundations for resilient, sustainable urban growth across the Solomon Islands.