BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Atu-led government of Guadalcanal province is prioritising infrastructure development to provide corridors for economic activities in the province.
In his official address to mark the recent Guadalcanal 41st Second Appointed Day, Premier William Atu noted the infrastructure deficiencies faced by the province and highlighted efforts to address very important areas of development.
He expressed that Guadalcanal provincial government fully recognises the transportation challenges posed by their province’s vast and rugged geographical landscape.
“These natural constraints continue to hinder development and the maintenance of essential road infrastructure – particularly in remote inland communities,” said the premier.
In this regard, he said his government has committed to allocate funds for the maintenance of provincial feeder roads and are exploring the possibility of constructing new roads in the province.
“One such initiative which is currently underway is the Kauka Marau Road Project Survey – that aims to improve access and connectivity in the southern region of the province.
“In the last financial meeting, we allocated $500,000 to do assessment for this project,” he said.
Atu also mentioned that work is underway on three key bridges in the province namely; Tawuhi bridge, Ruavatu bridge and Bokororo stream bridge.
He said these bridge projects were funded by World Bank under the Integrated Economic Development and Community Resilience Programme and are being implemented through the Provincial Capital Development Fund (PCDF).
Atu mentioned that three other bridges; Ruavatu bridge, Matanga bridge and Wawalu bridge have successfully been completed and are significantly improving the mobility for surrounding communities.
“I also sincerely thank the Solomon Islands governments in according the tax credit scheme to Goldridge Mining Company for the successful completion of the Tinahulu Bridge.
“I believe the same scheme is now used to seal the road from the main highway to the mining site,” Atu said.
These are, but some of the manifestations of the commitment of his government in partnership with the national government and development partners to develop infrastructure in the province.
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