THE Land and Maritime Connectivity Project that is supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is delivering results and is already boosting land and maritime connectivity and strengthening the transport network in Solomon Islands.
In keeping with ADB’s role as Asia and the Pacific’s climate bank, Solomon Islands’ vulnerability to floods and cyclones has been considered in designing the roads and wharves to be developed by the project, contributing to the enhancement of the disaster resilience of the country’s transport network.
The project will improve the east–west corridor of Guadalcanal, which passes through central Honiara. This stretch of road is a lifeline for local people and allows them to access essential services and pursue socioeconomic activities. Given the importance of maritime transport for the country’s economy, the project will also better the Honiara International Port and develop wharves in the provinces of Makira-Ulawa and Rennell and Bellona.
The rehabilitation works on the 5-kilometer section from Henderson Airport along the Mberande road were completed in 2023, and the ones on the Tandai Highway are expected to be completed within 2024. Preparatory work is underway for the rehabilitation of Honiara’s International Port and the construction of wharves at Ahanga and Kira Kira.
“The Land and Maritime Connectivity Project will be transformational for the population in Solomon Islands, particularly those who live in rural areas and need regular access to economic opportunities and basic services for stable livelihoods,” said ADB Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office Regional Director Shane Rosenthal. “The project will help provide all-year access to such opportunities and services, as climate-resilient features that have been integrated into the design of the project roads and wharves.”
“This project will reshape land and maritime infrastructure in Solomon Islands,” said Acting Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure Development Allan Lilia. “It is already delivering results, carrying out rehabilitation work along the Mberande Road and toward Tandai Highway, which composes the critical road link on the Guadalcanal Island.”
The capacity of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development will be strengthened by the project, through support in planning, project preparation, procurement, and other transport sector institutional reform. As part of the institutional strengthening, the project will help the Ministry of Infrastructure Development develop a gender strategy and provide capacity development training programs to female staff.
The project is funded by a concessional loan of $74.4 million and a grant of $74.5 million from the Asian Development Fund, which provides grants to ADB’s poorest and most vulnerable developing member countries. The Government of the Solomon Islands is contributing the remaining $21.8 million of the project’s overall cost of almost $171 million.
ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
SOURCE: Solomon Islands Government Portal
