The Australian Government on Thursday officially handed over $60million in funding support to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development to upgrade some of the road networks in the country.
The handing over ceremony was held at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development premises.
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Islands, The Hon Pat Conroy MP handed over the funds to the Minister responsible for Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) Ricky Fuo’o.
The funding will be administered through the Solomon Islands National Trust Fund and will support the governments priority roads for maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.These includes four key transport corridors in Malaita and eight roads in Honiara.
Australia’s Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, The Hon Pat Conroy MP, emphasized the significance of the handover.
“This funding is now in place and ready to support the people of the Solomon Islands through improve roads, better access, and stronger local economy and also reflected Australia’s enduring partnership and support for Solomon Islands development priorities.
“Reliable, well-maintained roads are essential arteries of daily life, to get people to and from work and school, and to get fresh produce from the market,” he stated.
He went to add; “By empowering local decision-making and fostering economic activity with local contractors, today’s investment will benefit communities, expand economic opportunities, and create jobs.”
The initiative will focus on engaging local contractors, creating employment opportunities, and improving access to markets, education, and healthcare.
Minister Fuo’o welcomed the investment, highlighting the success of previous collaborations such as the Malaita South Road rehabilitation, which significantly reduced transport cost and improve access to service and trade.
“This timely commitment that builds on shared vision to deliver lasting change to communities across our Islands,” Minister Fuo’o said.
Australia has invested over SBD 5 billion in the Solomon Islands over the five past years, supporting more than 500 development projects ranging from health facilities and renewable energy systems to border post and digital infrastructure.
The latest funding is expected to bring lasting benefits by improving road safety and boosting social and economic inclusion across the country.
By Andrianah Delasalet Kole
Solomon Star, Honiara
