Ground Breaking Ceremony of the China Aid Auki Tar Sealing Project.

I’mToday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project at the Auki Primary School Field. This project is a major step forward in improving roads in Malaita Province.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Minister of Infrastructure and Development Hon Manaseh Maelanga, other government officials, and Chinese Ambassador Cai Weiming.

During the event, Premier of Malaita Province Hon Elijah Asilaua thanked Prime Minister Manele, Minister Maelanga, and the Malaitan MPs for their support. He also expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its partnership, which is helping to improve Auki town.

Minister of Infrastructure Development, Manaseh Maelanga explained that this project is part of the government’s National Transport Plan. This plan aims to make roads safer and more efficient to help the economy grow. The project will use high-quality materials, including durable asphalt concrete.

Prime Minister Manele emphasized the importance of the relationship between the Solomon Islands and China. He noted that this project will help meet the needs of Malaita communities by providing better road connections.

He highlighted the significance of this project as a grant rather than a loan, expressing gratitude for the support of the People’s Republic of China to the people of Malaita and the Solomon Islands. “I urge the people of Malaita to take ownership of this project, a proud achievement stemming from the cooperative efforts of the Malaita Provincial Government, the National Government, and China.”

Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, H.E. Cai Weiming, emphasized the project’s importance within the Belt and Road Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013. This initiative aims to enhance policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, and financial integration and strengthen people-to-people bonds, ultimately fostering conditions for win-win cooperation.

Liang Qing, General Manager of CCECC’s South Pacific region, assured those present that the project will be executed with the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency. “We are committed to creating local employment opportunities along the road and transferring valuable skills to the community. We promise timely delivery of the project, which we believe will contribute significantly to Malaita’s development and the long-term economic growth of the nation.”

The Auki Road rehabilitation will cover over 9 kilometers, stretching from Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge. It will also improve 16 important roads in the town. This project aims to enhance transportation and support economic development in Malaita Province.

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