BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) has delivered a milestone road infrastructure project in Auki, Malaita Province as they transform Kwaibala riverbank road into a resilience and standard roadway.

The project was part of the China aid-Auki Road Project, where work is simultaneously being conducted on the major project for tar-sealing of road from Kwaibala to Kilu’ufi junction in Auki township.

A statement from China aid-Auki Road Project stated the ongoing riverbank reinforcement at Kwaibala has reached a key milestone, with more than 100 meters of high-strength concrete armor blocks successfully installed.

This section of road has been faced with critical natural pressures as well as non-standard road features, which posed risk for public road safety.

Also noted is that recognizing the urgency, the CCECC prioritized reinforcement efforts, which not only aims to prevent natural pressures, but to also improve public safety.

Key areas in the upgrade include; widening the road by over 50% which improved traffic flow, installation of over 1,000 cubic meters of coral fill to strengthen the base, placing around 350 prefabricated concrete blocks for erosion resistance and slope stabilization and riverbed dredging to improve water flow capacity.

As a result, the statement said this previously dangerous stretch of road has been transformed into a much safer, wider, and more resilient route.

It said the transformation reflects the broader goal of China-aid Auki Road Project to build safer and more durable infrastructure that protects lives, enhances mobility, and promotes sustainable development in the region.

The statement added that the next phase of work on this stretch of road will include construction of a pedestrian footpath, drainage, road base and asphalt road surface.

The previous poor status of this stretch of roadway was endured due to a number of traffic accidents, where some were fatal. The upgrade will guarentee the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.

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