Construction of Su'u Harbour and Bira Bridges in Malaita Making Good Progress

Construction work has officially started on the Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges in Malaita Province. These bridges are being built with financial support from the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), a comprehensive infrastructure program aimed at improving roads, bridges, and air travel in Solomon Islands. The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and is focused on making transportation safer, easier, and more reliable for people across the country.

The construction work is being carried out by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), utilizing modular bridge technology to ensure the bridges are resilient to flooding and adaptable to the impacts of climate change and the increasingly severe weather events.

Progress to date includes the completion of temporary road diversions; dismantling and demolition of the existing bridge foundations; clearing of the river crossing sites; and clearing, grubbing, and stripping of topsoil for both bridges.

Currently, piling work is underway for the Bira Bridge, with the installation of piles and the pre-casting of concrete load blocks. So far, 52.5 meters of accumulated driven piles have been installed, along with 12 pre-cast concrete load blocks. Piling is a crucial step that involves driving deep foundation supports into the ground, ensuring the stability and strength of the bridge, particularly in areas with soft soil or water. This foundation work is essential for providing the long-term support needed for the bridge structure.

The construction activities are progressing according to schedule. Engineers and construction workers are carefully carrying out the piling work, ensuring that it meets safety and quality standards. The successful completion of this phase will pave the way for the next stages of construction, including the installation of bridge piers, decking, and other structural components.

Allan Lilia, the Permanent Secretary of MID, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The construction of the Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges is an important investment for our country. These bridges will improve connections between communities, boost economic growth, and provide better access to important services. The Government is fully committed to ensuring the successful completion of this project.”

Apart from the Su’u Harbour and Bira Bridges, SIRAP2 is also funding other important investments, including; constructing Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges, upgrading Santa Cruz Airfield in Temotu Province, improving Noro Roads in Western Province, upgrading Honiara and Munda Airports, modernizing air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and providing maintenance support at Honiara and Munda Airports.

𝑺𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆:Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Projects