World Bank : Pioneering Infrastructure Development in West Kwara'ae.

World Bank : Pioneering Infrastructure Development in West Kwara'ae.
Photo Source: Joseph Mamiasi

'๐๐ž๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž ๐ฆ๐ข๐Ÿ๐š๐ฅ๐š ๐ฌ๐š ๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฐ๐š๐ข๐ญ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐ซ๐ข๐ฏ๐ž๐ซ๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ฉ ๐Ÿ๐ฅ๐จ๐จ๐๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐›๐ž๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ๐ž ๐ฆ๐ข๐Ÿ๐š๐ฅ๐š ๐ฌ๐š ๐ฏ๐ž ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ฆ ๐ซ๐จ๐š๐๐ฌ ๐Ÿ๐จ๐ซ ๐œ๐ซ๐จ๐ฌ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐ , ๐ญ๐ก๐ข๐ฌ ๐ญ๐ข๐ฆ๐ž, ๐ง๐จ๐ฆ๐จ๐š ๐ง๐š๐จ, ๐ญ๐ก๐š๐ง๐ค๐ฌ ๐ญ๐จ ๐–๐จ๐ซ๐ฅ๐ ๐๐š๐ง๐ค ๐š๐ง๐ ๐‘๐ž๐ž๐ฏ๐ž๐ฌ ๐‚๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฎ๐œ๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐œ๐จ๐ฆ๐ฉ๐š๐ง๐ฒ'.

This was the expression felt and raised by an aspiring young leader from Central and West Kwara'ae, Joseph Mamiasi.

Joseph Mamiasi, an inspiring influential Malaitan born Kwara'ae young leader and a former Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) president (and also one of the founding fathers of the Solomon Islands National University Kwara'ae Students Association SINUKSA, at SINU) currently teaching in West Kwara'ae, took photos of the bridges development, expressing his gratitude and reported that the bridges are now currently in use. What is now left to complete, is the cementing of the roads, a few hundred meters, leading towards the bridges.

Cement leading to first Bio bridge, West Kwara'ae. Photo Source: Joseph Mamiasi
Photo image of World Bank funded, newly constructed bridge at first Bio bridge, West Kwara'ae. Photo Source: Joseph Mamiasi
Photo image of second World Bank funded, newly built bridge at second Bio bridge, West Kwara'ae. Photo Source: Joseph Mamiasi

Mr Mamiasi, also expressed that the two bridges at Bio and the third at Koa, have been critical to the connectivity and development of communities in West Kwara'ae. Their progress marks a new era of opportunity and accessibility for all residents, especially when access to the North Road, East Road and to West Kwara'ae, runs through these bridges.

'For years, prior to these developments, the lack of reliable infrastructure has posed significant challenges to the people of West Kwara'ae. Limited access to essential services, educational facilities, and economic opportunities has hindered progress, but thanks to the relentless efforts of Reeves Company, we are witnessing transformative infrastructural changes with these bridges, that promise to uplift the community development of West Kwara'ae', Joseph reported.

The construction and upgrades of the Bio and Koa bridges, are especially noteworthy, as they are vital lifelines that connect families, local businesses, and vital services. The distance, from the capital of Malaita province, Auki, is 10 Kilometers to the Koa bridge and 14 Kilometers to the two Bio bridges.

Funded by the World Bank and contracted to Reeves Company, the companys dedication to quality workmanship and sustainable practices has not only ensured that these infrastructures are durable but have also prioritized the safety and reliability of the bridges. It has also directly made a positive impact on the local population. The roads connecting the bridges, built by Reeves company, have also committed to utilizing local resources and labor, which has fostered job opportunities, injecting new life into the local Malaitan economy.

"These bridges are more than just structures; they represent hope and progress for our community," said a representative from a West Kwara'ae community board. "We are thankful to Reeves Company, funded by the World Bank, for their professionalism, expertise, and their willingness to invest in our future."

Photo image, capturing the full length of the cement leading down to the second Bio bridge. Photo source: Joseph Mamiasi

As we marvel at the construction work taking place, it is essential to acknowledge the importance of community engagement and communication, which Reeves Company has maintained throughout the project and to thank them, Mr Mamiasi stated. It is also equally important that our people from West Kwara'ae, also appreciate and look after these infrastructures well, Mr Mamiasi said.

Photo image capturing transport vehicle exiting the second Bio bridge. Photo Source: Joseph Mamiasi

Mr Mamiasi then calls on commuters to Auki, including community youths and West Kwara'ae, constituents, to also take good care of the sign boards that are placed upfront. He also makes a call to the current Member of Parliament for Central Kwara'ae, Honourable Alfred Tuasulia, to continue the good work of working closely with our donor partners as the project, is coming to its end.

Looking to the future, the completion of the bridges will not only enhance transportation and connectivity but will also open doors to new economic prospects, tourism, and improved quality of life for all residents. Businesses can thrive, students can reach schools more easily, and families can access healthcare services without the hurdles once faced, when there was poor infrastructural development facing the three bridges.

Mr Mamiasi concludes by stating that, it is clear that the impact from the construction of these three bridges, will be felt for generations to come. Mr Mamiasi, then concluded by saying, 'We extend our deepest thanks to their team for their hard work, innovation, and dedication to the people of West Kwara'ae. Together, we are building a brighter futureโ€”one bridge at a time'.

Joseph Mamiasi, (Former SINUSA President, West Kwara'ae Teacher).