BY NED GAGAHE

Choiseul Bay town in the Choiseul province is undergoing transformation in infrastructural development, and the provincial leadership is impressed.

Premier of Choiseul Province, Harison Pitakaka, has welcomed the ongoing road works under the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP), describing the development as a critical milestone now gaining momentum.

Speaking to Island Sun from Taro yesterday, Premier Pitakaka said the project reflects the collective aspirations of the people of Choiseul and their commitment to contribute to national development.

“This is a critical development that is now gaining momentum,” Pitakaka said.

He thanked the national government, the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), for its continued funding support through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) development budget.

“I would like to thank the national government, especially the GNUT government, for its ongoing support through MPGIS in helping my province.

“This development is fully supported by our people and aligns with our many development plans,” he said.

The Premier also highlighted the involvement of development partners in other key areas of the Choiseul Bay Township, including watershed development initiatives.

“Beyond road construction and clearance, we also have important support from our development partners, including The Nature Conservancy, working with landowners and the Choiseul Provincial Government on watershed development within the township area,” he said.

With the Choiseul Bay Township recently elevated to a national project, Premier Pitakaka called on all leaders and people of Choiseul to support the initiative.

“Now that the Choiseul Bay Township has been elevated to a national project, I call on all good people of Choiseul and leaders at every level to fully support this endeavour,” he said.

He also acknowledged the efforts of contractors and their workers on site and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to working closely with GNUT and development partners throughout 2026.

“This year, my government will continue to work with the GNUT government and our development partners for both technical assistance and funding opportunities. Together, we can make it,” Premier Pitakaka said.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has confirmed that road construction works under the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP) are progressing well, with significant milestones achieved on key road networks.

Local contractor FT Builders and Civil Works began grubbing and clearance last year and has since undertaken rehabilitation works that will form the foundation for connectivity within the new township. Completion of this unsealed road is expected by June 2026.

At the same time, another local contractor, Central Islands Civil Construction Ltd (CICC), has commenced work on Lot 9 – Tarekukure Road Network, after mobilising machinery to the site earlier this week.

CBTP Manager Isaac Lekelalu said the works are scheduled for completion within a seven-month timeframe.

Funded through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) in partnership with the Choiseul Provincial Government, the project includes road alignments, drainage systems, culverts, and bridge structures to support future township developments.

The road network will connect sites earmarked for a new hospital, light industries, a cemetery, and other planned facilities.

Photo credit : MID

For feedback, contact: [email protected]