Lekamboli Bypass Road Upgrade Underway

Construction work to upgrade the Lekamboli bypass road has been ongoing for the past two weeks. The 425-meter road stretches from Chiefs Haus (Vavaya Ridge) to the ITA hardware backroad.

The contractor for this lot, locally owned Super Construction, has mobilized and carried out initial works on expanding the downhill section of the roadway at Island Lodge, right above the ITA Hardware store.

Construction activities will include road widening, drainage improvements, and resurfacing, with an expected completion timeline of six months.

This upgraded bypass will serve as an alternative route, easing traffic flow once the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project (LMCP) focuses on the full rehabilitation of Mendana Avenue Road (Heritage Park Roundabout to Honiara City Council Roundabout).

“Upgrading this bypass road is essential in addressing the immediate challenge of traffic congestion within Honiara’s central business district, as witnessed, to facilitate smoother traffic flow while the main highway undergoes road rehabilitation,” the Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) stated.

Consultations with property owners along this bypass route have already been completed.

TIMSD continues to provide oversight for this project rollout phase.

Funding for this project comes from the National Transport Fund, with contributions from the Australian Government.

Looking ahead, MID is exploring a long-term initiative to establish a back road for Honiara city, which was highlighted by Deputy Secretary Technical, Mike Qaqara, during the recent Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing.

It will require a multi-sectoral approach, involving collaboration among various stakeholders, including the lands division, Guadalcanal Province, government legal team, resource owners, community members, and other key partners. However, this plan may take time to realize since it will need a wider consultation and funding support.

Ends//

Contractor for this lot, locally owned Super Construction, has mobilized and carry out initial works on expanding the downhill section of the roadway at Island Lodge, right above ITA Hardware store.

Construction activities will include road widening, drainage improvements, and resurfacing, with an expected completion timeline of six months.

Consultations with property owners along this bypass route have already been completed.