10/09/2025
Work on the China-aid Auki Road Rehabilitation Project is steadily progressing, with major reinforced road structures completed.
The contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC) first constructs a new retaining wall on the cliffside stretch adjacent to Auki Solomon Power Road leading to Dukwasi. This road has long been regarded as hazardous for road users facing the constant risk of landslides and soil erosion.
This wall structure was built using almost a thousand cubic meters of concrete, ensuring the wallโs strength and durability against natural pressures from the cliff. Its completion represents a step toward improving road safety and resilience to withstand the challenges of weather and terrain in the years ahead.
Another completed reinforced structure is the riverbank improvement at Kwaibala, with more than 100 meters of high-strength concrete armor blocks successfully installed.
The next phase of work will include the construction of a pedestrian footpath, drainage, a road base, and an asphalt road surface.
This section of the road posed serious safety risks to vehicles and South Road users. The road was narrow, and the river below was deep and fast-moving due to continuous erosion from upstream flow and seawater backflow. Recognizing the urgency, the project team prioritized reinforcement efforts. Community consultations for surrounding communities at Kwaibala were conducted prior to this armor block installation.
This transformation reflects the broader goal of this Chinese government-funded project to build safer, more durable infrastructure that protects lives, enhances mobility, and promotes sustainable development for Malaita province.
The government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), has ramped up efforts to help address challenges such as the demolition of roadside structures and utility relocations necessary for road expansion to avoid delays.
Memorandums of Agreements (MOAโs) are now being finalized with utility providersโSolomon Water, Solomon Power, and Solomon Telekomโto expedite the relocation of lines, facilitating uninterrupted drainage and other infrastructure work during this phase.
Moreover, safeguards personnel and engineers will collaborate closely with the CCECC team to ensure seamless project implementation and that the designs are carefully customized to suit the specific needs and context of Auki Township.
The project encompasses the extensive rehabilitation of the 3.796-kilometer main road from Kiluโufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge, as well as the upgrade of 16 feeder roads within Auki Town.
This project reflects the governmentโs National Transport Plan 2017-2035.
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[MID]
