The East Malaita road improvement works include regravelling the pavement, concreting steep sections where necessary, and improving the drainage system to withstand heavy rainfall that has eroded the road foundation in recent years due to climate change.
Malaita Province to Benefit from Major Road Improvements with World Bank Support, Boosting Connectivity and Resilience
17th July 2026
The Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2) with additional funding support from the World Bank, is pleased to announce the award of two major road upgrade contracts in Malaita Province.
Following a competitive procurement process, internationally renowned China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has been awarded the contract for the West Kwara’ae road corridor, while Trades Transformation Company Limited (TTCL) has been awarded the contract for the East Road section.
Under these contracts, CCECC will pave the first 12 km of West Kwara’ae Road from Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to Kwaisuliniu, which will make the roads safer, improve access to services, and help local businesses in eight communities in Malaita.
For the East Malaita road (21 km from Baratolo to Atori), local contractor TTCL will carry out regravelling of the pavement, concreting of steep sections where necessary and improving the drainage system to withstand heavy rainfall eroding the road foundation, as experienced in recent years brought about by climate change.
The road upgrade projects demonstrate the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the country’s transport infrastructure and improving connectivity across the provinces as reflected under the 2017-2036 National Transport Plan (NTP).
Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mr Mike Qaqara, commended the progress, stating:
“The award of these contracts marks an important milestone in our ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure to be climate-resilient and to enhance connectivity in Malaita Province.
“These investments will have a meaningful impact on rural communities by improving access to essential services, supporting economic opportunities, and enhancing the safety and reliability of land transport networks.”
MID remains committed to working closely with SIRAP2 project teams, the World Bank, contractors, provincial authorities, resource owners, and communities to ensure the successful delivery of these road upgrades.
“Community engagement will be a key priority throughout implementation, and stakeholders along the project corridors are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultations,” Mr Qaqara said, adding that this approach encourages empowerment and ownership of this infrastructure.
As preparations for construction activities commence, SIRAP2 and MID will step up a series of community consultations and awareness programmes along both project corridors. These consultations will formally introduce the contractors to the communities, provide information on the scope of works, construction schedules, and expected project impacts, and ensure that stakeholders have the opportunity to engage with the project team.
A success story for SIRAP 2 in Malaita Province includes the completion of the Kolofe 1 and 2 bridges along the North Malaita Road, as well as the Su’u Harbour and Bira bridges along the West Kwaio/South Road. These projects were officially handed over to the communities earlier this year. The first road component of SIRAP in Malaita involved the construction of the Koa, Bi’o 1, and Bi’o 2 bridges along the West Kwara’ae Road, which was also handed over early last year.
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Photos
Public hearings jointly conducted in April last year with the environmental division to present findings from the Public Environment Report and gather feedback from stakeholders, community members, and individuals who may be affected by the development. Pictured here is during the consultation at Fabarataloa Village along the East Malaita road.
Site inspections were conducted in July of last year for the West Kwara’ae road and the east road. Egis, who is the design and supervision consultant, partnered with MID and the SIRAP2 Project Support Team for these visits to ensure road designs reflect local development priorities and community needs.