Buala Wharf Redevelopment MOU Signed with Australia
Media release
Australia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Isabel Provincial Government to redevelop Buala Wharf.
The wharf is the main import-export point for Isabel and the surrounding islands, as well as connecting passengers with other provinces.
Premier Hon. Lawrence Hayward said the project is one of the biggest ever done in Isabel Province since independence and was a game changer for Isabel’s economic future.
“A larger, more reliable wharf facility will increase economic activity and opportunities for Buala and Isabel for passenger and cargo shipping,” Premier Hayward said.
“The existing wharf 37 years old and is in poor condition. This restricts the size of ships that can use it,” the Premier said.
“Sometimes up to six vessels can be waiting for a place to berth, and in king tides, the wharf can become unsafe and unusable.”
"On behalf of the Isabel people, we convey our gratitude, especially for including climate resilient in the wharf design which will make the new wharf last longer.”
Australian High Commissioner HE Rod Hilton said the MOU represented the continuation of a long-term infrastructure partnership with Solomon Islands that supports both provincial and national infrastructure priorities.
“With the Buala Wharf Redevelopment MoU now in place, we’ll get on with the job of working together to design and deliver a safe, sustainable and climate resilient wharf for the people of Isabel,” Mr Hilton said.
Australia has already undertaken an assessment of the wharf’s condition and future shipping needs. The new wharf will integrate future shipping needs, resilience to climate change and natural disasters, and safety for passengers and cargo, including people with disabilities.
Over the coming weeks a drilling team will take ground samples around the existing wharf and conduct a UXO survey. Australia is also supporting a technical design team to meet with community, government and shipping representatives to finalise a redevelopment design for partner governments to consider early next year.
The wharf redevelopment will connect with the new Buala Market, currently under construction as part of Australia’s Provincial Market Redevelopment Project.
Minister for Infrastructure Development, the Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, said the two projects demonstrated the value of the Solomon Islands National Infrastructure Priority Pipeline.
“Our Pipeline is helping to guide significant investment and support from the Solomon Islands Government and our development partners,” Minister Maelanga said.
“Since independence, Australia has worked side by side with Solomon Islands on infrastructure development. The Buala Wharf Redevelopment Project will be the largest infrastructure project for Isabel Province, and importantly, focus on climate change resilience.”
High Commissioner Hilton said he was excited by the huge economic potential of a new market and wharf for the people of Isabel.
“Our focus, as always, will be quality, climate resilience and creating as many jobs and economic opportunities along the way for Solomon Islands,” Mr Hilton said.
