Upgrades start with 3 of 7 identified bridges on Malaita

Much needed upgrades to three bridges in Malaita have begun with four others currently being designed, ensuring more reliable travel and better connections in the province. These are being undertaken through the government implemented and World Bank supported Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).

The three bridges under construction are situated on Malaita’s North Road – Koa, Bio1, and Bio 2 – with all materials on-site ready to assemble the structures.

The other four bridges are on the North Road at Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 and on the South Road at Su’u Harbor and Bira. These four bridges are currently in the investigation and design phase with construction set to begin in the first quarter of 2024.

These new bridges are part of the SBD1.1 billion SIRAP and SIRAP2 that are being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. Financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), the projects are delivering important upgrades to selected roads and bridges across the country while working to make airports safer, more efficient and more climate resilient.

The bridges under construction use a modular component system for faster, more cost-effective construction. This consists of pre-fabricated formwork and reinforcing that is being placed on-site and filled with concrete to quickly create strong and reliable cast concrete bridges.

“These bridges will open easier access to health and education services while ensuring Malatians are better connected to businesses and to each other” said Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Stephen Maesiola. “I am proud to see this work being carried out through the Ministry and would like to thank the World Bank for funding the bridges alongside the rest of SIRAP and SIRAP2.”

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