The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Safeguards Team has completed the initial public consultations and assessments with key stakeholders last week (19th– 23rd May) to fast-track essential requirements before full rehabilitation of the China-aid Auki Road Project commences.
The consultation meeting brought together representatives from various stakeholders, including the Malaita Provincial Government Executive, Solomon Power, Solomon Water, Solomon Telekom, and community members around Auki town.
These discussions played a vital role in sharing critical information, fostering transparency, and raising awareness about this landmark infrastructure development — the first modern road for the province using high-quality materials, specifically asphalt concrete pavement with a thickness of 50 millimeters to ensure durability.
This project is set to be completed within the next 18 months and is anticipated to bring transformative benefits to Auki town residents and the overall province.
MID Chief Safeguards Officer Roxsley Basil stated, “Stakeholders expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its potential to improve access to healthcare and education, increase mobility for goods and services, foster business development and attract investment, and enhance social and economic opportunities for local communities.”
He added that community members also expressed that this project has been a long time coming and are optimistic about the positive changes it will bring.
“While some property owners acknowledged the potential impact on their land or assets due to the new road alignment, they reaffirmed their willingness to cooperate, provided transparency, fair compensation where applicable, and ongoing dialogue are maintained throughout the process,” Mr. Basil said.
Currently, the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, has commenced mobilization activities, including vegetation clearance along the main road corridor from Kilu’ufi Hospital towards the Kwaibala Bridge (more than 9 kilometers), encompassing 16 vital road networks within the growing town.
The contractor has also upgraded their campsite facility at Aligegeo School and set up the main asphalt plant. Detailed surveying activities within Auki town are ongoing, with a land survey already conducted to identify the precise route of the new road.
A property inventory assessment is also underway to document and evaluate assets that may be affected during the road expansion works.
Mr. Basil said their team will continue stakeholder engagement throughout the project’s lifecycle with regular updates and consultations maintained to ensure concerns are addressed and community support remains robust.
This segment of sealed road has seen numerous enhancements made by various construction teams since its initial development by the Public Works Department in the 1990s.
In 2009, it was upgraded as part of the Asian Development Bank’s Post-Conflict Emergency Rehabilitation Project by the Kitano Group.
Subsequently, in 2015, Dalgro conducted further upgrades, followed by temporary maintenance repairs by Zed Construction in 2024.
This 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.
– MRD
