The redevelopment of Buala Wharf in Isabel has progressed to the next stage with initial plans for a longer wharf.
The next phase is now under review by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Isabel Provincial Government.
The proposed new wharf is being designed to double the current capacity of shipping in and out of Isabel Province, with space for multiple ships to berth as well as small boats.
A specialist drilling team has collected ground samples down to 40 metres and completed an UXO survey, helping to inform the project’s final design.
Australian High Commissioner His Excellency Rod Hilton said, that early geotechnical investigations of the site were critical for constructing high quality, resilient infrastructure.
“Building long lasting infrastructure starts with solid foundations, which is reliant on quality investigations of the proposed site by experts.
“With the history of unexploded ordinances in Solomon Islands, we also want to ensure the safety of the project and residents – we’re happy to report that no unexploded ordinance was identified at the site in this early stage of the redevelopment,” His Excellency Hilton said.
The final design will be informed by the geotechnical investigations, as well as consultations with community, shipping operators and the Solomon Islands Government.
Australia is currently supporting two infrastructure projects in Buala – a new market as well as the wharf redevelopment – which together will change the face of economic activity in Isabel Province.
This place-based approach is an example of Australia working in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government to implement the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline.
