Works have commenced at the Western Border Outpost at Shortland Island with the arrival of the first barge on 29 August 2024.
In a media statement, the Australian High Commissioner, Rod Hilton, said this marked a significant milestone for the Western Border Outpost, a multi-million Australian dollar infrastructure project being delivered under the Defence Cooperation Program to boost Solomon Islands border and maritime security.
“I am proud of the close collaboration between Australia and Solomon Islands Government to get the project to this important stage.
Australia understands the importance of ensuring the western border of Solomon Islands is safe and secure to promote economic development and stability for the region,” High Commissioner Hilton said.
The Western Border Outpost has been designed in partnership between Defence and key Solomon Islands Government Ministries and Agencies.
Australian Defence and local workers at the location Border Outpost in Shortland Islands(PC:DFAT)
The new facilities and infrastructure will support Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats bringing together police, customs, immigration and biosecurity officials to reinforce the security of Solomon Islands’ borders and bolster its natural disaster response capability.
The commencement of construction works sees the Contractor undertaking site and UXO clearance of the main western border site in preparation for the upcoming site camp establishment.
In addition to the physical works at the main construction site, the construction team have commenced refurbishment of contractor accommodation at the following locations:
Nila Parish Guest House
Tuha Bungalows
Itimako Rest House
The refurbishment works include the repair of timber structures, floors, walls, coatings, doors, mosquito screens, services, and installation of solar systems, which will benefit the community for years to come.
To support Western Border Area interagency security operations, an interim office facility, located to the north of the main site, will be constructed by the beginning of 2025.
The project will see an increase in construction personnel living within the Western Border Area as the project continues to progress.
The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2026.
