Emergency Road Upgrade Commences to Restore Vital South Road Link in Malaita
Last week, the commencement of a crucial emergency road upgrade project marked a significant development for the South Road, spanning from Auki through Central Kwara’ae, West Kwaio, to West Are…

Last week, the commencement of a crucial emergency road upgrade project marked a significant development for the South Road, spanning from Auki through Central Kwara’ae, West Kwaio, to West Are Are in Malaita province. The project, known as the Malaita South Road Emergency Maintenance Project, valued at SBD 11 million, is generously funded by DFAT Australia and executed by the Trades Transformation Company Ltd (TTC).
The initiative addresses the pressing need for repairs and ongoing maintenance along a 42 km stretch of the South Road, specifically from Auki to Maoa. This section of the road has been rendered impassable since 2023, severely impacting local communities who have had to resort to sea transport for essential travel to and from Auki.
Once completed, the project promises to restore vital road transport services, reconnect communities in the southern region of Malaita, ease access to essential services and markets, and improve overall socio-economic activities in the area.
In an interview with the Island Sun newspaper last week, the Premier of Malaita Province, Honorable Elijah Asilaua, expressed gratitude for the commencement of the emergency upgrade. He highlighted that this initiative represents the initial phase towards the ambitious Auki-Bina tar-seal project, which is also set to be funded by the Australian government. The Premier emphasized his government’s commitment to collaborating with donor partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of these transformative projects for the benefit of Malaita province.
The Malaita South Road Emergency Maintenance Project addresses immediate infrastructure needs and lays the groundwork for future development and connectivity improvements in the region. As stakeholders mobilize efforts to expedite the repairs, residents grow eager for the return of reliable road transport services and the rejuvenation of local economies along the South Road corridor.
This initiative underscores a significant stride towards enhancing transport infrastructure resilience and fostering sustainable development in Malaita province. It reinforces the commitment of international partnerships to supporting community-centric projects that make a lasting impact on livelihoods and economic growth.
Source: Malaita Issues