Auki Road Upgrade Advances with Culvert Installations and Drainage Works

Road rehabilitation works in Auki town continue to progress steadily, with culvert installation and ditch works across several key locations within the project scope.

At Kwaibala, a total of four culverts have already been installed to enhance water flow and minimize flooding along the main and feeder roads. Culverts have also been installed at the F13 feeder road leading toward the betel nut market, providing better access and improved drainage for nearby establishments and vendors.

Concurrent works are ongoing through the Fa’asitoro neighborhood and Kilu’ufi Hospital road, where steel work within the ditch lining is progressing smoothly. These drainage improvements are essential to manage surface runoff, especially during rainy seasons, and to protect the road structure from erosion.

Last week, initial road works began along Sikitae, a long-time residential area in Auki, for most provincial government workers.

The contractor for this China-Aid Auki Road Rehabilitation Project, the China Civil Engineering Construction Cooperation (CCECC), continues to demonstrate efficiency in these phases and meet the standards and timelines.

Director of the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division, Ishmael Alulu, said the ministry’s engineers and safeguards personnel continue to collaborate closely with the CCECC team during this phase, ensuring designs are customized to suit the specific needs and context of Auki Township.

He said MOAs (Memoranda of Agreements) have been finalized with utility providers—Solomon Water, Solomon Power, and Solomon Telekom—to expedite the relocation of lines, facilitating uninterrupted drainage and other infrastructure work during this phase.

Over the past four months, CCECC has focused on river channel improvements, construction of retaining walls, slope protection, shoulder barriers, and ditching. These features are critical for enhancing drainage, preventing erosion, and reducing flood risks throughout Auki.

The project encompasses the extensive rehabilitation of the 3.796-kilometer main road from Kilu’ufi Hospital to Kwaibala Bridge, as well as the upgrade of 16 feeder roads within this fast-growing urban center.

This project reflects the government’s National Transport Plan 2017-2035.

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View of the culvert adjacent to the Franciscan Brothers’ residence.

Box culvert at F10 Fa’asitoro.

Installation of a culvert along F13 feeder road, improving access to the Auki Betelnut Market.

Culvert installation at Fa’asitoro, near LF Residence.

Steel reinforcement being prepared for concreting at a ditch along Fa’asitoro.

Casing works for concrete pouring at F2 feeder road, Fa’asitoro.