Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was in Auki yesterday to witness the launch of China’s major road project in Malaita Province.
The Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project will see China tar-seal the 9-kilometre road in the provincial capital, Auki, at a cost that is yet to be disclosed.
The Auki road tar-sealing project follows the previous Daniel Suidani government, which prevented China or any of its associates from entering Malaita and conducting business in the province.
That decision was based on the Auki Communique, a policy document Suidani’s MARA government produced after former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare controversially switched the country’s diplomatic ties from Taiwan to China in September 2019.
But after Suidani was removed from power following three consecutive Sogavare-government backed no-confidence votes, the path was cleared for China to engage with Malaita Province.
China quickly announced a SBD$170 million infrastructure funding for Malaita—part of which would cover the 9.5-kilometre Auki tar-sealing project.
The Auki road, as well as the main roads in Malaita serving the north, east, and south of the province, have been in a constant state of disrepair over the years.
Road maintenance in Malaita, like in all other provinces, has been irregular and inadequately done. In fact, the roads turned bad only a few weeks after repair and would remain in such a state for months, even years.
Malaitans welcome Auki Road Project
China’s move to fund the Auki road project has been widely welcomed by Malaitans.
Premier Elijah Asilaua said roads are important infrastructure for sustainable economic development.
“These infrastructures will become essential assets that facilitate and influence key indicators of economic progress,” the premier stated.
“Connecting good transportation infrastructure systems will mutually benefit private and public activities’ efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and equity,” he added.
Speaking at the launch event, Asilaua noted that the ceremony symbolizes a significant step forward, expressing optimism about the project’s outcomes for the region.
He extended his appreciation to the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), stakeholders involved since the project’s inception in 2023, the China International Development Cooperation Agency, and the People’s Republic of China.
Government urges Malaitans to take ownership of the project
Key guest speaker Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the significance of this project as a grant rather than a loan, expressing gratitude for the support of the People’s Republic of China to the people of Malaita and the Solomon Islands.
“I urge the people of Malaita to take ownership of this project, a proud achievement stemming from the cooperative efforts of the Malaita Provincial Government, the National Government, and China.”
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Minister of Infrastructure Development Hon. Manasseh Maelanga stated, “We are building a stronger, safer, and more connected future for all citizens of Auki and the greater Malaita region.
“Together, let us take pride in our developments, ensure their longevity, and work hand in hand to create a thriving community that stands as a beacon of progress.”
The national government said in a statement that the Auki road project is rooted in the government’s National Transport Plan (NTP) 2017-2036, which advocates for a systematic approach to transport infrastructure, prioritizing accessibility, safety, and efficiency to foster social and economic growth.
The road project involves the existing more than 9-kilometre main road, stretching from Kilu’ufi Hospital on the northern side of Auki Town to the Kwaibala Bridge on the southern side. In addition to this, it will encompass 16 vital road networks within the growing township.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) said one of the key aspects of this project is the use of high-quality materials. It features asphalt concrete pavement with a thickness of 50 millimetres, ensuring durability.
“The project aims to significantly improve transport systems and connectivity to basic services and strategic investment locations, thus promoting economic development for the province,” MID said in a statement.
China Aid comes to Malaita
Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E. Cai Weiming, emphasized the project’s importance within the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013.
This initiative aims to enhance policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and strengthen people-to-people bonds, ultimately fostering conditions for win-win cooperation.
China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), a Chinese state-owned company, has been awarded the contract to build the road.
CCECC has already dispatched two shipments of materials and established a campsite at Aligegeo Provincial Secondary School. In accordance with the agreement made with the Malaita Province administration and the education authority, this camp facility will be transferred to the school upon the project’s completion.
Additionally, the company is currently recruiting over 50 local workers for the initial stages of the project.
Malaita is Solomon Islands’ most populated province, boasting over 160,000 people. It has an extensive road network that runs from the provincial capital Auki to the northern, southern, and eastern regions of the province.
Liang Qing, General Manager of CCECC’s South Pacific region, assured those present that the project will be executed with the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency.
“We are committed to creating local employment opportunities along the road and transferring valuable skills to the community.
“We promise timely delivery of the project, which we believe will contribute significantly to Malaita’s development and the long-term economic growth of the nation.”
The event concluded with the presentation of traditional shell money by Malaita Province to the distinguished guests from Honiara.
It also highlighted the contractor CCECC presenting equipment to Auki School, accompanied by a beautifully performed contemporary song sung by two local boys, praising the occasion and expressing gratitude for God’s guidance over the province.
The event witnessed a good turnout from hundreds of Auki residents and stakeholders.
The PM and delegation returned to Honiara today.