NEW BUS SHELTERS FOR HONIARA UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Australia is partnering with Honiara City Council to build five bus shelters along Honiara’s busy Mendana and Kukum Highways, providing accessible, all-weather protection for thousands of travelling public.

Transport users and local residents are advised that construction of the shelters have commenced at the China Town/Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Lawson Tama and King George VI bus stops, bus stop, with works to begin at National Referral Hospital and Kukum Hot Bread stops in the coming weeks.

Traffic management and public safety plans are in place for each location, with temporary alternate bus stops to be erected, where necessary, while works take place.

Australian High Commissioner Mr Rod Hilton said Honiara’s busy PMV network serves thousands of people each day going to work, school and market, with many waiting in the hot sun and rain at peak times.

“These new shelters are a great way to support public transport users and make catching a bus more comfortable and accessible for everyone,” Mr Hilton said.

The SBD2.8 million project, which was initiated by Honiara City Council and Ministry of Infrastructure Development, received funding and implementation support from Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program last year.

The shelters have been planned, designed and constructed locally to maximise jobs for Honiara construction companies and suppliers. Construction will include two graduate tradeswomen from Australia’s Green Construction Training Program.

Each shelter has timber seating and a concrete surface made level with the adjacent footpath to enable safe access. The new shelters will also be located to encourage bus drivers to park within the bus bay area, rather than at the entrance – which can block other traffic and cause delays.

The bus shelter project is being implemented in close partnership with Honiara City Council and the Ministry to ensure good communications and planning alignment. Mr Hilton said Australia’s partnership with Solomon Islands prioritised thoughtful, quality construction, which maximised local skills and jobs, and helped create social and economic opportunities for every part of society.

“These bus shelters are another example of our responsiveness to the needs of government, and their critical role of providing citizens with infrastructure that led to opportunities to live safe, productive and prosperous lives.”

“This project uses local companies, helping to support local jobs and grow the economy.”

The five bus shelters will be completed by the end of June 2024.