Jeremiah Manele has outlined a pipeline of road and bridge projects for Malaita Province, as the government moves to scale up infrastructure delivery under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project.
Speaking at the handover of the Su’u and Bira bridges, Manele said additional financing of about $41 million from the World Bank is being secured to support new developments in the province.
The planned projects include construction of the Fiu River Bridge, road sealing works from Kwaisuliniu to Dala Market Junction, and upgrades to the road link between Kilu’ufi Hospital and Guwaunaru’u Airfield. The programme also covers the replacement of the Dala and Fote bridges with modern structures.
Procurement processes are also advancing for further works, including the sealing of a 12-kilometre road from Guanaru’u to Kwaisuliniu and the rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of East Road from Baratalo to Atori to climate-resilient standards.
Manele said the investments are aligned with the government’s broader objective of delivering infrastructure that is resilient, inclusive and supportive of long-term development.
The government has also committed more than SBD 40 million through the National Transport Fund to support ongoing infrastructure maintenance across Malaita.
He underscored the importance of coordination between the national government, Malaita Provincial Government, development partners and local communities in delivering the projects.
Government releases noted that the Su’u and Bira bridges form part of a broader effort to improve year-round accessibility in Malaita, particularly for rural communities that are often cut off during heavy rainfall. The structures are designed to enhance connectivity between economic centres, health facilities and schools.
Local media reports said the projects are expected to support agricultural supply chains by reducing transport bottlenecks and travel times, allowing farmers to bring produce to markets more efficiently. Improved road conditions are also seen as critical to lowering logistics costs in the province.
Coverage also highlighted that the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project places strong emphasis on climate-resilient design standards, including elevated bridge structures and reinforced road surfaces to withstand flooding and extreme weather events.
Separately, reports underscored that continued coordination with the World Bank and other development partners will be key to ensuring timely delivery, with procurement and contractor mobilisation identified as critical next steps in advancing the pipeline of works.
