As international delegates arrived in Honiara for the highly anticipated ‘Honiara Summit on the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.4’, their first glimpse of the Solomon Islands’ capital was not the pristine beaches or exciting culture the nation is known for. Instead, they were met with a huge pool of muddy water on the Kukum Highway, a key route connecting the city to Honiara International Airport. The sight left both visitors and locals stunned, with residents describing the scene as equal parts funny and heartbreaking.
The Kukum Highway, a vital part for the city, has long suffered from long neglect, with potholes and poor drainage turning sections into huge pools of muddy water during rain. Despite months of preparation for the summit, a landmark event showcasing regional unity, the road’s condition deteriorated further ahead of the delegates’ arrival. Heavy rains in the days prior transformed the stretch into a murky pond.
“We’re hosting world leaders, and this is their welcome?” remarked a local resident who witnessed the chaos.
“It’s embarrassing. You have to laugh because it’s so crazy, but it’s also a shame. The authorities knew this summit was coming. Why wasn’t this fixed?”
Others echoed the view, noting that the muddy show symbolized broader frustrations over infrastructure failures in Honiara, where worsening roads, unstable water supply, and poor public services trouble daily life.
Social media went crazy with images of delegates’ vehicles inching through the river like pool with sarcastic praise for the authentic Solomon Islands experience. Behind the humor, however, lay a deeper disappointment.
“This summit was a chance to show our best side,” another resident said. “Instead, it feels like we’ve highlighted our worst.”
The muddy introduction has caused calls for accountability and investment in Honiara’s infrastructure. As the summit progresses, the incident serves as an important reminder.
Even as Pacific nations collaborate on global stages, local governance must address the basics first or risk leaving visitors, and citizens, stuck in the mud.
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Thoughts? Iumi stori
