A joint inspection team led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Safeguards Unit has completed a review of four bridge construction sites in Malaita Province, engaging closely with local communities and project stakeholders along the way.
The visit, carried out last week, covered the Kolofe 1 and 2 bridges along the North Road, and the Su’u and Bira bridges along the West Kwaio Road. These projects form part of the broader Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2), supported by World Bank financing and aimed at improving transport connectivity and climate resilience in the country’s critical infrastructure.
Roxsley Basil, chief safeguards officer at MID, said the team included representatives from the Auki-based MID office, the Project Support Team, the construction supervision engineer EGIS, and the project contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
At each site, the team conducted not only engineering inspections but also face-to-face community engagements. “We began with the Kolofe 1 and 2 bridges, where we met with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC),” Basil said. “A few concerns were raised during the meeting, and these were noted by all stakeholders present for follow-up.”
Similar interactions were held during the visit to the Su’u and Bira bridges. The feedback sessions gave residents a chance to voice issues and expectations—an approach that officials say is helping to build trust and ensure long-term project sustainability.
As of now, the four bridge sites are approximately 48 percent complete, with physical work said to be progressing steadily despite the logistical challenges of working in remote locations.
The Malaita Bridges project is one of the most visible components of the government’s wider commitment to regional development. The aim is not just to lay concrete and steel but to transform the way communities move, trade, and interact.
When completed, the new bridges will offer more reliable access to markets, schools, and health facilities—especially during the rainy season, when flooding frequently isolates rural villages.
The bridge works fall under Component 2 of SIRAP 2, which focuses on Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Road Sector. The programme reflects a multi-year strategy to strengthen infrastructure across Solomon Islands in the face of rising climate risks.
While the Malaita component concentrates on bridges, SIRAP 2’s scope extends far beyond. It includes upgrades to Honiara and Munda airports, rehabilitation of the Santa Cruz Airfield, and improvements in air navigation systems to enhance aviation safety across the country.
The World Bank remains the principal financier of the SIRAP and SIRAP 2 initiatives. Its involvement has brought in not only funding but technical expertise and global best practices in safeguards and community consultation.
The Bank's emphasis on climate adaptation has also steered the design of the bridges to withstand more extreme weather events, including heavier rainfall and stronger floods—making them more than just access points, but lifelines during emergencies.
