Road maintenance along the Northeast Road has reached Fa’asileta, deep into the Fataleka region of Malaita Province.
FT Builders and Civil Works, the local contractor overseeing this unsealed road maintenance project, reports that their road crew has been focusing on the stretch from Fousasa to Fa’asileta since last week.
Managing Director Felix Talisia said construction activities include roadside clearance, grading, regraveling, and drainage improvements for key sections.
Mr. Talisia said their crew have carried out repairs to few wooden bridges along the route, which were near collapse.
Other small bridges were not stipulated in their contract, but Mr. Talisia explained that they saw the necessity to conduct relief works, improving safe crossing for passing public vehicles and their machines, and maintaining smooth workflow for the project.
He pointed out some challenges faced during construction, including persistent rainfall and gravel access issues.
He shared that sourcing suitable road base material has been difficult at the initial stretch but expressed optimism that better gravel quality will be available further inland in Fataleka.
The civil contractor, who is also of Fataleka origin, admitted that few land disputes regarding boundaries have arisen but have been amicably resolved with all parties involved, allowing maintenance to proceed.
Once completed, this road network will improve connectivity for the people of Fataleka and Baegu Asifola. The project will extend to the Subobono River mouth (37.89 kilometers), covering the Ata area, also a convenient access for communities further north.
The Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) continues to oversee these ongoing road improvements, ensuring adherence to quality standards throughout all phases.
This project is funded by the Australian Government through the National Transport Fund (NTF) for Malaita Province.
It aligns with the government’s 2017-2035 National Transport Plan (NTP), which aims to upgrade transport infrastructure to enhance accessibility, safety, and efficiency—fostering social and economic development for Malaitans.
Two other road maintenances in Malaita include Busurata Road and South Road (Maoa-Hauhui).
The other contract will see the sealing of the first 5 km from Kwaibala to Oibola.
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[MID]
