27 August 2018
Financing impactful infrastructure development in Malaita Province
A recent letter of mine focused on the health related issues in the Solomon Islands that I believe have to be addressed if the Solomon Islands Development Goals (SDG’s) are to be realistically met by 2030.
Another major aspect that will impede progress towards the accomplishment of the SDG’s is the great need for better development infrastructure.
With the support and investment of other countries, mainly Australia and New Zealand the infrastructure is slowly improving against harsh natural conditions, including earthquakes, flooding and occasional volcanic eruptions.
As the infrastructure begins to improve so will living conditions improve and hopefully jobs will emerge and provide stable incomes for the majority in the rural communities.
Financial investment for infrastructure development is key and I was especially pleased to read a report in the Island Sun newspaper a few days ago which indicated that the World Bank is stepping in to help Malaita Province improve its roads, bridges and airport runways and terminals, with an expected project costing of $60 million.
It is understood that the World Bank has been planning such a project for the last six years in the Solomon Islands.
The project is expected to commence next year
As Malaita’s infrastructure improves it will undoubtedly allow the province to be open to tourism and the profit from tourism will mean the overall economy could grow and further the attainment of SDG’s in respect of infrastructure improvements.
I will greatly look forward to learning how the proposed project will bring about the upgrading and improvement in the provincial roads for the safety of the travelling public and the easier carriage and conveyance of products and goods.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
