Australia to Revitalise Malaita’s South Road
Media Release
15 AUGUST 2024
Australia will provide over SBD70 million in infrastructure support to make the Malaita South Road more reliable and climate resilient for communities and commerce.
Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton, will today visited local contractors who have begun SBD11 million in emergency repair works along the entire road to Maoa Bridge. The South Road, the only land link to communities in South Malaita, is currently impassable to all but 4WD vehicles.
Yesterday, Mr Hilton joined the Premier, Member for Aoke-Langalangaand the Minister for infrastructure Development at Ambu village, the road’s starting point, to also announce additional support for the larger, longer-term rehabilitation of the 22km of road from Auki to Bina.
The Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, acknowledged Australia’s ongoing partnership support for the government’s infrastructure plans, both in Malaita and across the nation.
“The rehabilitation of the South Road is a critical link in government’s National Transport Core Initiative plan to extend connectivity throughout Malaita, as well as to the proposed Bina Harbour development,” Minister Maelanga said.
“The opening up of the road will stimulate socio-economic activities and contribute to economic growth. This is consistent with Solomon Islands’ macroeconomic priority to grow the economy.”
“I call on our resource owners and our communities along the South Road to give your full support to these projects. They will immensely benefit our people and our province. I urge us to make use of the generous support from our friends from Australia,” he added.
High Commissioner Hilton said the two projects combined will make traveling the South Road faster, safer, and more reliable in times of heavy rain.
“For the people of South Malaita, connectivity is more than just a convenience—it's a lifeline. This road is the artery that brings life to community, enabling the flow of goods, services, and people,” Mr Hilton said.
“The South Road is essential for Malaita’s economic development, improving livesand the government’s vision for Bina Harbour. As Solomon Islands’ nambawan infrastructure partner, we’re proud to be supporting a project that is about quality, long-term sustainability, and creating jobs and income for Malaita families. It’s a great day for Malaita on its 41st Second Appointed Day!”
Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Elijah Asilaua, thanked Australia for their ongoing support.
“For far too long our people along the South Road have been denied reliable access to the provincial capital Auki from their communities due to the bad road conditions.
“I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the government and the good people of Australia for this tremendous package of support given to our communities along the South Road.
“Through this support, women along the South Road will be able to come to Auki with their produces to sell at the market in Auki, earning income to meet basics for their families. Children will be able to go to school. Police will be able to undertake public safety and law and order duties. Our community will be connected and unified,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the communities on the south road, Chief Francis Tooifiliuthank the Solomon Islands Government, the Australian Government and the Malaita Provincial Government for putting their hands together to support the communities with very important infrastructure.
“Member of our communities sometimes have to walk through swamps to get sea transport to Auki because the roads are in such a bad condition,” the chief said.
“When completed we will again have access to basic and life saving services that were not easily accessible to us because of the bad roads. So thank you very much.”
Over the next 12 months, Australia, through the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, will be working closely with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, the Malaita Provincial Government to get work commencing under the Malaita South Road Rehabilitation Project as fast as possible.
The emergency works are scheduled to be completed by mid-2025.
The High Commissioner was joined by the Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manelle to witness the signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding for the South Road Rehabilitation Project as part of the 41st Second Appointed Day celebrations at the Auki Showgrounds.
