Four New Bridges to Start Construction Under SIRAP2

The Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) will soon begin construction on four new bridges, marking a significant milestone in enhancing transportation infrastructure across Solomon Islands. These crucial developments are facilitated by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and funded by the World Bank.

The upcoming works will include Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges on the North Road as well as Bira and Su’u Harbor Bridges on South Road in Malaita Province.

A team consisting of MID, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, SIRAP2 Project Support Team, and a Supervision Consultant are currently on-site. The team is engaging with local communities through a series of public hearings, offering a platform for the public to provide input, express any concerns, and ask questions about the proposed bridge works.

During the public hearings, the project team will present comprehensive plans and proposals for the construction of each of the new bridges, including design, locations, dimensions, and anticipated environmental and social impacts. Additionally, an overview of the Environmental Impact Assessment will be provided, which includes proposed environmental mitigation measures.

Residents, business owners, environmental advocates, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the public hearings, and to share their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding the proposed construction. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with the project team and relevant authorities about various aspects of the bridge works, such as its timeline, funding sources, construction methods, maintenance plans, and community benefits. The project team will carefully consider the feedback received during the public hearing.

Allan Lilia, Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, said, “the public hearings on the construction of new bridges play a crucial role in facilitating informed decision-making, promoting public engagement and participation, and ensuring that the bridges are designed and implemented in a manner that balances the needs of the community with environmental conservation and sustainable development.” He further stated that, “the detailed minutes or transcripts of the public hearing will be prepared and made publicly available, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the decision-making process.”

Beyond the bridge constructions, SIRAP2 is also upgrading roads in Noro, providing upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, providing investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.

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