Construction is progressing steadily on the China-funded Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project in Auki, the capital of Malaita Province. The project, implemented by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), is currently focused on installing reinforced concrete drainage systems along a 9.2-kilometre road corridor.
Strengthening Flood Resilience and Road Durability
Newly constructed concrete-lined drainage channels are designed to manage surface runoff, reduce erosion, and mitigate flood risks in Auki’s town centre and surrounding residential areas. The works form a key part of efforts to improve the town’s resilience to heavy rainfall and climate-related impacts common across Pacific Island nations.
The drainage structures incorporate vertical steel reinforcement bars to enhance structural strength. These reinforcements will also serve as tie-in points for future infrastructure components, including pedestrian footpaths and road shoulder protection.
Installation is underway along the main highway linking Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge, as well as across 16 feeder roads to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout the network.
Multi-Agency Coordination
The project is funded through China Aid and aligns with Solomon Islands’ National Transport Infrastructure Plan 2017–2035. It is overseen by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, whose Auki-based Transport Infrastructure Management team is working closely with CCECC, the provincial government and key utility providers, including Solomon Power, Solomon Water and Solomon Telekom.
This coordination has enabled the relocation of utility poles and underground cables to accommodate road widening and future roadside amenities. The ministry’s safeguards team has also engaged property owners to manage necessary boundary adjustments.
Preparing for Asphalt Sealing
The next phase of construction will focus on preparing the road surface for asphalt sealing. The completed roadway will feature a 50-millimetre-thick asphalt pavement designed to deliver durability for an estimated 10 to 20 years under normal use conditions.
Approximately 200 local workers from Malaita are employed on the project, working alongside Chinese technical specialists. The collaboration is providing hands-on training in specialised construction skills, including precision formwork assembly and large-scale concrete pouring for drainage systems.
The Auki Road upgrade is expected to significantly improve transport efficiency, road safety and flood management in one of Solomon Islands’ most populous provinces, while also contributing to local employment and skills development.
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