While the small island developing states are only accountable for a minute percentage of global greenhouse gas emissions, they are still the most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change. The Solomon Islands is one of those nations suffering from its heavy blows. Aside from its geography and exposure to heavy precipitation, most of its population resides within 1.5 km of the coastline, making the country more susceptible to climate change. The Solomon Islands’ road infrastructure also takes a hit during these extreme weather events. Furthermore, it remains a crucial sector for development and a significant barrier to trade and transportation.
In a government press release, Constituency Development Officer Brown Honimae highlighted road infrastructure development as the main priority of the Small Malaita Constituency (SMC). SMC is part of the Malaita Province, Solomon Islands’ largest and most populated province. SMC aims to improve road infrastructure, recognizing its important role not just in accessibility but in economic growth as well.
To underscore this dedication, Honimae explained that more than 40% of their budget is allocated for the road infrastructure project. “Given its importance to SMC economic development aspirations, the program continues to annually feature prominently in the SMC annual budget and implementation programs,” he added.
The constituency is working to improve road quality and resilience, as the road infrastructure system is vital in enhancing the communities’ access to public facilities and essential services like healthcare and education. During the 13th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Honiara in September 2024, infrastructure was emphasized as a key component for increasing trade, accessibility for people, and the provision of basic services.
Developing infrastructure to resist natural disasters and climate change has also been a priority for the Solomon Islands. For Malaita, rehabilitating bridges and roads and enhancing road connectivity also supports agricultural trade. With initiatives like the Bina Port and South Road renovation viewed as essential to increasing economic activity, the province’s infrastructure investments also aim to draw private capital.
For 2025, the constituency’s main focus would include two road segments, the Paeni-Waloa’a-Roone road and the Afio-Matangasi road. Honimae added that they had already conducted engineering surveys for the two roads during the last week of January and anticipated signing an MOU shortly, contingent on the availability of the engineer’s report.
Member of Parliament Rick Hou also took the initiative by holding a community consultation with the landowners and tribal members about the SMC’s road infrastructure project during his constituency tour. The constituency office will use the input from the consultations to develop and complete its Annual Work Plan (AWP), which will serve as a roadmap for implementing its 2025 CDF priorities.
When the project successfully finishes the road infrastructure, it will help farmers and communities reach Afio Station for land transportation and connectivity to key services like the market, police station, shops, fisheries center, medical facilities, wharves, and others.
With the community and government collaborating to improve the Solomon Islands’ road infrastructure, the dedication to road infrastructure in Small Malaita is stronger than ever. Long-term financial planning, greater private sector participation, and sustainable road maintenance must become the major priorities to guarantee lasting benefits.