Ground Testing for New Buala Wharf Gets Underway
Media release
Community and ship operators using Buala Wharf, Isabel Province, are advised that ground testing for the proposed Buala Wharf redevelopment project will start this week.
A floating barge will be based around the Buala Wharf for the next three to four weeks drilling four boreholes and collecting soil samples.
Representatives from Australia’s Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, who are managing the redevelopment design project, said the geotechnical investigations will help determine the structure of the ground below the seabed around the wharf.
“This will contribute to the environmental impact assessment of the proposed new wharf, and inform where footings for a new wharf might be placed.”
The team will also undertake UXO survey to ensure the work site is safe from any old bombs.
Under the Solomon Islands-Australia Partnership for infrastructure, Australia is supporting the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to redevelop Buala Wharf. Together with the new Buala Market currently under construction, these projects will boost local economic development and national connectivity for Isabel Province.
A marine traffic control plan is in place to minimise the impact on the wharf area while the drilling takes place.
