MID’s Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division overseeing Isabel region meeting with Isabel provincial assembly members and staffs, Hograno House of Chiefs representatives, contractor and women’s representative.
MID Acknowledges Participatory Approach in Kaevanga Road Repair Project
10th September 2025
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has hailed the strong support rendered by the chiefs and leaders of Hograno District towards the ongoing Kaevanga urgent road repairs project in Isabel Province.
MID’s Transport Infrastructure Management Service Division (TIMSD) during an awareness campaign and road inspection trip over the weekend (5th-6th September) hailed the leadership style of Hograno House of Chiefs, church leaders, and women’s groups in providing full support to the road contractor team.
The leaders of these communities have given access to their resources that have been helpful to the contractor in executing the work seamlessly.
Safeguards officer Roxley Basil, during a brief awareness session at Kaevanga station, said this is a great model and way forward that demonstrates participatory development.
“We commend your efforts in offering your river resources and your plantations and gardens for the clearance and expansion of the road width.
“This is really helpful, as it does not burden the contractor or delay the progress of these urgent repair works,” Mr. Basil said.
The contractor Homesafe Builders and Civil Works Managing Director Patteson Mae’idua said the communities were so receptive towards his road crew team.
“They gave us food and, most important of all, bestowed respect on our crew.
“They are very understanding and cooperative, wishing to see this road repair completed sooner to improve their daily commuting from the inland areas to the coast and do marketing and traveling to Honiara.
Kaevanga Road has been one of Isabel’s economic land routes, providing the road corridor for highland communities of Hograno to access the port and beyond. Initially constructed in the 1980s, this road has undergone challenges in repairs for the past years, affecting farmers and access to services.
With the support of the Isabel Provincial Government, MID, and the Hograno Kia Havulei (HKH) constituency office, a contract was drawn, and machines have been mobilizing to this site since July this year.
Regional Manager (Acting) for the Isabel Region John Lolley said the current contract undertaken covers only 8 km—Kaevanga to Tuseli.
The gravel road ends at the Alualu community, which totals another 5 km.
“This remaining section has been fully scoped, and hopefully this contract is extended, but again, it depends on funding availability,” Mr. Lolley said.
The Isabel Provincial Government team was also present during this program, showing their support to see more road upgrades implemented, marking renewed efforts in boosting connectivity and more engagement with key stakeholders.
Minister of Works for Isabel Province Hon. Frank Gregory Koutini said work will not stop here as they need more roads.
“We have plans to connect the road network around the island, being the longest island in this country.
“Our provincial government will continue to push for road connectivity from Buala to Kaevanga and beyond,” he emphasized.
The MID team visited Muana School and the Kolomola community and conducted house visits at Tuseli, providing short awareness regarding road safety and getting feedback.
Ends///
With photos
Jodie Kuve providing a brief of the urgent repair works at Kaevanga.
Jodie Kuve providing a brief of the urgent repair works at Kaevanga.
The contract covers only 8 km—Kaevanga to Tuseli for urgent repairs.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for the community members sharing their views towards the road improvement works and their view towards connecting road network across the island.