A temporary access road has been constructed under the bridge to allow trucks to cross the river and continue journeys to and from Auki.

The long-debated Fiu Bridge in Malaita Province has finally given way, raising serious concerns for travelers and communities in East and North Malaita who depend on it as their main access to Auki town for transportation and trade.

For years, the bridge’s poor condition has been a subject of public concern and media debate. Yesterday, the situation took a turn for the worse when a 12-tonne truck from the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) crossed the aging bridge. The truck, carrying a full load of gravel for the ongoing Auki road tar-sealing project, caused the bridge to crack in the middle, leaving the vehicle stuck and damaging the bridge further.

The vehicle's rear tires sank through the rotting wood and twisted iron supports, making removal efforts difficult. Fortunately, no major injuries or casualties were reported.

The gravel was being sourced from the nearby Fiu River, following an agreement earlier this week between CCECC and local landowning groups to use river gravels for road construction. While the road project is progressing steadily, the bridge incident has created a serious setback for movement along the North and East road networks.

Many locals are now questioning why the driver risked crossing the bridge despite knowing its critical condition. However, due to the lack of alternative access routes, heavy trucks have continued using the bridge in past construction with such heavy loads.

“There is no proper bypass under the bridge for heavy machinery or vehicles to use,” said one concerned resident. “This issue has been ignored for too long.”

Travelers and truck owners are now calling on the Malaita Provincial Government and other responsible authorities to respond urgently. The broken bridge threatens to delay essential transport of goods, farming produce, and passenger travel from North and East roads.

A temporary access road has been constructed under the bridge this evening to allow trucks to cross the river and continue journeys to and from Auki. But drivers say this solution may not last long.

Speaking at the scene, truck driver Silas Taruhi told Malaita Issues, “This temporary road won't hold if it rains. The weather is very unpredictable right now, and it’s risky for trucks.”

A statement from CCECC says they are working on alternative plans to build a more stable temporary access route. In contrast, work on the China Aid Auki Road tar-sealing project continues steadily in the coming months.

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