One of Honiara’s major business operators has urged Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga to urgently intervene and establish a plan address the city’s bad road system.
Solomon Motor Ltd, which runs several refueling outlets, accommodation and speciality shops in town, made the call in the wake of the worsening traffic situation in Honiara.
Long traffic queues on both sides of the city were caused by deteriorating road conditions and an unplanned road system.
“The current condition of the roads is essentially closing down the local economy and significantly affecting short-term and long-term business viability,” head of Solomon Motor Craig Day said.
“We call on Maelanga (who is also the caretaker minister for Infrastructure development) to urgently intervene and establish a plan for the rectification of the road system,” Day added.
“Maelanga should also seek immediate approval from the Caretaker Cabinet to reduce the government fuel tax by 50% so fuel retailers can pass this on to its customers as compensation for the extra fuel that they are using and the damage to their vehicles.
“The SML board notes that it is inequitable and immoral for the government to expect citizens and business to continue to pay tax without the government providing basic services like drivable roads.”
Honiara’s slow and long traffic queue has been an on-going issue.
It got worst in the past couple of days, with commuters sitting in traffic for hours on road routes that usually take 10 to 20 minutes.
The situation sparked outrage among Honiara’s working population and business community.
Meanwhile, former opposition leader, Matthew Wale says the current state of Honiara roads reflects that of a sick government and an ailing economy.
Wale said road conditions under the leadership of the former DCGA are the worst in history.
He said whilst donor partners must be acknowledged for their contributions to road infrastructure, roads in the central business district (CDB) is an eyesore.
“It is shameful that potholes around the CDB are ignored by relevant authorities,” Wale said.
“I find it hard to understand the fact that the same spots are being maintained all the time,” he added.
“There is lack of quality work and competence and yet the ministry of infrastructure sees fit to engage such contractors.
Wale who is also the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) wing leader said this is not the first time he has raised this issue.
He reiterated that it is a disgrace that even the caretaker Prime Minister and his caretaker Ministers are driving along the roads with no sense of care.
The former Opposition Leader has called on the Ministry of Infrastructure & Development to address the bad state of Honiara roads with urgency.
MID last week called on Honiara residents and businesses to be patient as donor-funded work to upgrade the road is ongoing.
Photo Caption: A government vehicle passing through the pot holes at the Honiara Central Market westward road section. Credit – Chris Alex/Facebook