Honiara’s newly elected mayor Eddie Siapu says China will be his new administration’s “partner of choice” in advancing the council’s interests.
Siapu, councilor for Rove-Lengakiki Ward, retained the top job following an election this morning – securing 13 votes against his only rival Robert Oge, who received seven ballots.
As a first step, he said his new administration will be seeking assistance from China to lead an assessment of the city’s ailing roads.
“The poor condition of roads in Honiara City is a big problem for residents,” Siapu said in his victory speech.
“My administration will pursue with China the engagement of a road engineer to assess all roads in Honiara,” he added.
“We will strengthen our relations with Jiangmen City with the aim of securing more assistance.”
Siapu said after the road assessment is carried out, the council will then reach out to other donors to secure more funds.
Currently, the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese company, is actively engaged in constructing significant road infrastructure in Honiara and Guadalcanal, with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The primary focus of the project is to enhance roads in Honiara, which entails expanding and upgrading the current 4-lane road stretching from the central market to White River (about 5 km), along with improving the 2-lane road from the Airport to Mberande (around 30 km).
In terms of Ward development and development of infrastructures like roads, Siapu said his government will also seek to dialogue more with relevant national government Ministries.
“I also humbly seek the support of the three members of parliament in Honiara City to collaborate and partner with the council.
“I appeal for alignment of Ward development plans with constituency development plans.
“At the end of the day, we are leading and serving the same people.”
