Construction of Modern Highway in the Solomon lslands to commence

THE construction of modern highway road will commence soon following the signing of an exchange of note between the government of Japan and Solomon Islands at the Prime Minister and Cabinet conference room yesterday.

Called ‘Upgrading of Kukum Highway’ it was signed by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Japanese Chard d’ Affairs His Excellency Kenichi Kimiya and chief representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) Shigeru Sugiyama.

The components of the project include upgrading of Kukum Highway from the City Council Roundabout to the Ministry of Fisheries in Kukum, countermeasures against Traffic congestion around the Central Market, improvement of the City Council roundabout, construction of two lane bridge in parallel with New Mataniko bridge, replacement of old Mataniko bridge and soft component for enlightenment of users including pedestrians.

The project is expected to be completed by 2018 to accommodate traffic flow for all users.

His Excellency Kenichi Kimiya said, the project is a symbolic of friendship between Solomon Islands and Japan.

“The components are not only paving existing road and re-constructing two Mataniko bridges, but also expanding capacity of the Kukum highway in order to reduce the traffic congestion and enhance traffic safety for all users,” he said.

He said, he was also happy to be given the chance to cooperate with the government of Solomon Islands on the ongoing project for improvement of Honiara Ports facilities.

Mr Sogavare said, the signing of the project marks another development partnership that will transform the face of Honiara and address the issue of traffic congestion.

He said, as everyone is aware the conditions of Honiara road are covered with pot holes and some road are too small to accommodate the traffic.

He said the implementation of the project is important to the economy and transport services in the country and certainly will transform the face of Honiara.

Meanwhile tender will start soon and the contractor is expected to be selected by August.

PNG Tody / Solomon Star