Minister Fuo’o Highlights Australian Assistance in Maintaining Key Road Networks and Promoting Local Content

28th June 2026

The minister for the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Honourable Ricky Fuo’o, has expressed gratitude to the Australian government and its people for their ongoing support to the Solomon Islands government, which has been instrumental in maintaining and repairing key road networks in Honiara and Malaita Province.

Speaking at the announcement and signing ceremony of an additional SBD 30 million in budget support to the National Transport Fund at the ministry’s headquarters last week (25th June 2026), Minister Fuo’o praised Australia’s financial assistance, highlighting its role in fostering local economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and building capacity.

“This funding has undoubtedly empowered local contractors, enhancing their ability to deliver national projects,” he remarked.

He also noted with pride that one local company has now ventured into asphalt sealing after developing their capacity through NTF projects over the past years.

The infrastructure minister emphasised that the concept of local content was a key highlight during their recent visit with Prime Minister Matthew Wale to Australia’s Parliament House in Canberra.

He praised local content as a cornerstone for supporting local companies and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working closely with development partners.

“I also want to thank Australia for its support in advisory roles, not only in infrastructure but also in other critical sectors of our country,” Minister Fuo’o added.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, in his brief remarks, highlighted the NTF as one of the important mechanisms to upgrade key road networks, generate employment, and foster the growth of local businesses.

“Roads are like arteries connecting communities to markets, facilitating business flow, children’s access to schools, government services, and families,” Mr Roach said.

He expressed confidence in the NTF’s role, pointing out its positive impact, reflecting the steadfast partnership between both countries to build a connected nation that will benefit future generations and extend beyond roads to maritime and aviation and other sectors as well.

MID’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Mike Qaqara, said that the NTF board will soon convene to allocate funds to priority roads identified for maintenance in Honiara and the provinces.

This additional support and counting on from last year’s Australia’s initial support of SBD60 million towards NTF now total SBD100 million over two years.

Recently, the NTF board members held a successful meeting and conducted site visits to NTF project sites in Malaita Province: Northeast Road; South Road from Maoa to Hauhui; the sealing of the first 5 km from Kwaibala to Oibola; and road repairs along Busurata and Fulisango in central Kwara’ae.

A few of the NTF projects in Honiara are nearing completion, with some having been allocated towards the country’s preparation in hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting last year.

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This additional support and counting on from last year’s Australia’s initial support of SBD60 million towards NTF now total SBD100 million over two years.

This additional SBD30 million in budget support to the National Transport Fund was announced by the Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands.