by Ronald Toito’ona

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele says Infrastructure remains a strategic priority for the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), and that roads, bridges, airports, wharves, ICT, and healthcare facilities are essential, not only for delivering vital services but also for driving economic growth and strengthening connections between our communities.

Mr Manele stated this when highlighting his government’s achievements in marking its one-year anniversary, last Friday. 

Among GNUT’s most notable achievements is the successful negotiation of an additional US$51.2 million for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), bringing total funding to US$140.41 million. 

The World Bank approved the financing in February 2025, and it became effective in March.

“This new financing will support the construction of four new bridges in Malaita—Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbour, and Bira,” said Manele. 

“It will also fund road upgrades—10 kilometres in Noro and 33 kilometres in Malaita—as well as provincial airport upgrades in Malaita, Western, Temotu, and Makira provinces.”

GNUT has also prioritized aviation safety, with air navigation systems now being installed in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu, enhancing both domestic travel and disaster response capacity.

Restoring Roads, Rebuilding Trust

The Prime Minister acknowledged the Australian Government’s support in delivering emergency road repairs on 42 km of South Road in Malaita in 2024, which were completed ahead of schedule.

“We are grateful that Australia has taken the lead once again in contributing to the National Transport Fund,” Manele said. 

“Their renewed confidence is a testament to our commitment to transparency and results.”

In another significant milestone, the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project, funded by the People’s Republic of China, was launched in March 2025. The project includes 5.462 km of road upgrades, including a critical link to Kilu’ufi Hospital, improving healthcare access for Malaitans.

Urban Roads and Honiara Transport Upgrades

In the capital, GNUT has begun systematic maintenance and sealing of urban roads to tackle congestion and poor road conditions.

“We have launched a two-lot project for sealed road maintenance in Central Honiara,” the Prime Minister said. 

“Lot 1 is managed by SSS Construction, and Lot 2 by CCECC.”

These upgrades form part of a broader urban transport improvement plan aimed at easing traffic, supporting commercial movement, and improving pedestrian safety.

Expanding Rural Connectivity through ICT

GNUT is also bridging digital divides. 

Through the Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project (SINBIP)—a transformative digital infrastructure initiative supported by China—28 communication towers are now on air, with 37 more awaiting connection.

“The SINBIP project is on track to deliver 161 towers, expanding mobile and internet access to underserved rural communities,” said Manele.

These towers are being integrated into the Solomon Telekom network, offering thousands of citizens access to mobile services and online opportunities for the first time.

Renewable Energy Revolution

Manele also outlined the government’s ambitious plan to transition Solomon Islands’ power systems to 100% renewable energy in Honiara by 2030, under its Renewable Energy Roadmap.

“We are accelerating renewable energy generation projects, installing battery storage systems, and expanding infrastructure in both urban and rural areas,” he said. 

“These measures are critical to building an energy-secure future and reducing carbon emissions in line with our global climate commitments.”

The roadmap is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and is aligned with GNUT’s national sustainability goals.

In partnership with the ADB, the government is:

● Accelerating renewable energy generation projects.

● Installing battery storage systems to stabilize supply.

● Expanding renewable infrastructure in both urban and rural areas.

“These measures are critical to building an energy-secure future for the Solomon Islands and reducing carbon emissions in line with our global climate commitments,” Manele said.

Tina River Hydro: A Cornerstone for Power Reform

GNUT remains committed to completing the Tina River Hydropower Project by 2028, says Prime Minister Manele.

This project is a long-awaited energy solution for the country.

“My government has approved the additional financing of US$75 million required for the Tina River Hydro Project and has already secured most of this financing,” Manele confirmed. 

“This project is a cornerstone of our national energy reform.”

He added, the government is implementing programmes and activities aligned with these goals:

● Increasing electricity access in both urban and rural areas by 2030.

● Reducing electricity tariffs by 25% by 2028 to alleviate cost burdens on households and businesses.

● Diversifying energy sources to include solar, hydro, and other renewables.

● Introducing fiscal policies to lower Solomon Power’s operational costs and incentivize private sector investment in energy infrastructure.

The hydro project is expected to cut electricity costs and reduce reliance on imported fuel.