10th August, 2025
A joint team comprising of Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) Safeguards Unit, Family Support Centre, Construction Supervision Consultant (CSC-KEI-TEDI) of the Land Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP), and the contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) has conducted a week-long awareness campaign focused on social issues, as the physical construction of the Ahanga wharf project in Rennell-Bellona Province is about to commence.
MID National Safeguards Consultant Officer George Maere stated that the awareness programme led by the Family Support Centre last week is crucial at this stage, as major tasks are about to begin.
“There will be foreigners and locals recruited from Honiara and other provinces, which will increase the risks of social issues,” he said.
He said community members were made aware of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH).
“Discussions at community gatherings highlighted issues related to violence, abuse, sexually transmitted diseases, and other social concerns,” Mr. Maere added.
He further stated, โOverall, such awareness promotes principles of protecting vulnerable populations, ensuring a safe work environment, and mitigating associated risks to facilitate the successful completion of this major project.โ
Ahanga Community Advisory Committee (CAC) also played a key role in coordinating discussions on this Polynesian island.
MID Safeguards Unit and CSC have been actively engaging with Bellona communities over the past few months, focusing on addressing social and environmental issues arising from the project, establishing the CAC, and ensuring open communication channels, redress mechanisms, and other support systems.
Meanwhile, construction of accommodations, storage, and supporting facilities at Ahanga Camp, located at the western end of Bellona Island, has been completed.
CCECC announced that the physical construction of the wharf structure will commence soon. The initial phase will involve driving foundation piles, lifting and installing superstructures with heavy machinery, as well as concreting, slabbing, installing wharf furniture, and other related activities.
CCECC also committed to engaging local labor during construction, providing valuable opportunities for islanders.
Given the complexity of upcoming tasks, additional skilled personnel will be brought in from Honiara to meet the project’s specialized requirements, including operators, welders, concreter(s), masons, carpenters, and steel fixers.
Supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank and the Solomon Islands Government, this maritime project underscores the governmentโs commitment to enhancing national transport infrastructureโan essential component for economic and social development in rural and remote areas.
MIDโs Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) continues to collaborate with CSC-KEI-TEDI to oversee the project’s implementation, alongside the Honiara Port upgrade and Kirakira wharf.
Ahanga project is expected to be fully completed by July 2026.
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[MID]
