Temporary Eastbound Bus Stop Opens at MID Compound to Ease Honiara’s CBD Traffic

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) wishes to inform the general public, bus operators, and commuters that a new temporary bus stop located within the MID Works Compound (next to Mamanawata Settlement) is officially open for use as of this morning.

This relocation is a critical part of the ongoing road upgrade works along Mendana Avenue, spanning from Heritage Park Roundabout to the Honiara City Council (HCC) Roundabout. This temporary arrangement will remain in place until August 2026 to allow the contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation to complete essential drainage, stormwater piping, and asphalt sealing under the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project.

This diversion is specifically for Eastbound travellers. To ensure a smooth transition, the following protocols are now in effect:

• Routes Affected: All King George, Lunga, Naha, and Kola’a Ridge and 10 Dollar Market buses will now pick up and drop off INSIDE the MID Compound.
• Entry/Exit: Buses must enter through the Western Gates. The exit is located at the Eastern Gate leading toward the roundabout.
• Operating Hours: The gates will be open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• On-Site Guidance: The Road Transport Board Taskforce and Mechanical Yard security are stationed on-site to direct traffic and safety. Clear signage and lane demarcations have been installed for different routes.

Guidelines for Commuters and Drivers

• For Bus Drivers: Please adhere to public safety conduct and follow the instructions of on-site officers. If wait times increase, follow the designated two-lane queueing system to prevent traffic backlogs.
• For Pedestrians: Please use only the designated crossing points. Barricades are being installed in front of the HCC Headquarters, Magistrate Court, and Wesley United Church to prevent “random crossing,” which significantly hinders traffic flow.
• Henderson/Central Guadalcanal Routes: Buses serving Henderson, East, North, and Central Guadalcanal will maintain their current waiting points for the time being.

To ensure the comfort and safety of the public, the Ministry along with stakeholders is installing additional security lighting and rubbish bins throughout the compound today. Pedestrian directional signage has also been placed starting from the market areas to guide commuters to the new boarding zone.

“We appeal to the traveling public for your patience and cooperation,” says Mike Qaqara, Deputy Secretary (Technical) of MID.

“These temporary diversions are necessary to provide our contractors with the space needed to deliver high-quality road infrastructure along our main road into the central business district.”

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MID, the contractor and project team, RSIPF traffic, HCC Law Enforcement representatives during today’s site visit to the temporary bus bay.

Bus Drivers are urged to adhere to public safety conduct and follow the instructions of on-site officers.