Manele in Malaita as Auki tar-sealing project gets underway

Sponsored Advertisement

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele today expressed profound pride in witnessing the commencement of the Auki Tar Seal Road Project in Malaita Province.

Delivering his statement as chief guest at the commencement ceremony venue in Auki, Prime Minister Manele stated, the event represents the beginning of a transformative development for Auki Town and the wider Malaita Province.

Auki Tar sealing is a priority project for the Government for National Unity and Transformation.

The Prime Minister highlighted the collaboration between the People’s Republic of China, the Solomon Islands Government, and the Malaita Provincial Government providing the much-needed relief to the people of Auki and Malaita in general who have long faced difficult and unsafe travel conditions.

“This project represents a milestone in the enduring friendship between the Solomon Islands and the People’s Republic of China. It is a grant, not a loan, from the People’s Republic of China, and I extend our heartfelt gratitude for their invaluable support.”

Prime Minister Manele further stated, the road upgrade, which will improve accessibility is expected to have a significant impact on tourism, local businesses, the economy of Malaita and Solomon Islands. He added, once completed, the newly sealed road will enhance safety, reduce travel time, and open new opportunities for trade, education, healthcare, and tourism.

PM Manele commends the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) for their excellent track record.

He encouraged the people of Auki and Malaita to actively support CCECC in their work and to take pride in this development initiative.

“It is essential that we have a comprehensive ‘Auki Road Maintenance Plan’ in place to ensure the road’s longevity. We must also consider the re-establishment of the Public Works Department in Auki and collaborate with the Ministry of Infrastructure to establish a Highway Authority to guide maintenance and ensure sustainability.”

The Prime Minister appealed to the people of Malaita Province to take ownership of the project, recognizing it as a product of collaboration between the Malaita Provincial Government, the National Government, and the People’s Republic of China.

He expressed deep gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their continued partnership and support. The project will stand as a testament to the strength of bilateral ties and a symbol of progress, development, and lasting friendship, PM Manele emphasised.

Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Cai Weiming is optimistic, once completed, the new Auki Road System will link hospitals, schools, markets, churches, and wharfs which will significantly enhance inter provincial connectivity, facilitate safe and convenient travel for local residents, promote the flow of goods and services, and drive the development of various industries in Malaita Province.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Infrastructure Development, Hon. Manasseh Maelanga MP assured the people of Malaita Province of the Government’s full engagement to ensure proper and safe infrastructure is constructed to support the province’s economic and social investments for the people of Malaita Province and Solomon Islands. He urge the people of Malaita Province to be grateful for the National Government’s commitment to serve its people.

The Auki Tar Seal Road Project is poised to transform the landscape of Malaita Province, creating safer, more efficient infrastructure for generations to come, and enhancing the overall quality of life for the people of Auki and Malaita Province.

Today’s ceremony has brought together Members of Parliament from Malaita Province, regardless of their political affiliation. A significant collaboration demonstrating unity and a shared commitment.

Ends///.