Mrs. Lelau owner of Solomon Islands Professional Driver Training Services (SIPDTS) highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for a unified approach to reduce road-related injuries and fatalities and to foster a culture of safety among all road users.
Road Safety Conference Highlights the Critical Need for a Coordinated National Approach
During the launch of the National Road Safety Conference workshop in Honiara, prominent transport industry figure Joyce Lelau stressed the urgent need to operationalize the National Road Safety Council (NRSC). Lelau highlighted the council’s vital role in tackling the rising number of traffic accidents and improving safety across our road network.
“We need this council now more than ever,” Mrs. Lelau stated.
“With increasing road accidents, we must take collective responsibility to improve safety measures—an example is to enforce seat belt regulations and raise awareness across communities.”
Mrs Lelau, owner of Solomon Islands Professional Driver Training Services (SIPDTS), highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement and the need for a unified approach.
“We have the experience and knowledge; now we must reach out to stakeholders, coordinate efforts, and implement effective safety policies,” she said.
“There is ongoing roadworks, but without proper training or awareness, safety is compromised.”
She also stressed that all drivers should undergo proper training and driving education to ensure they possess the necessary knowledge about road rules, including the Road Transport Act.
“Careless driving is a major issue, and we need to push for stricter enforcement and education to prevent accidents,” Mrs. Lelau added.
She pointed out that a proactive approach is crucial to reduce road-related injuries and fatalities and to foster a culture of safety among all road users in Honiara and provincial centers.
The Solomon Islands government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), has unveiled the comprehensive Solomon Islands Road Safety Action Plan 2027–2029 early this month, marking a pivotal step in the nation’s multi-sectoral effort to reduce traffic injuries and protect communities.
This initiative is a key deliverable of the Solomon Islands Road Safety Capacity Improvement Project, implemented under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). Funded with support from the World Bank, the capacity-building and technical undertakings will be facilitated by international engineering and infrastructure consultancy firm Snowy Mountains Engineering Corporation (SMEC), a member of the Singapore-based Surbana Jurong (SJ) group.
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SMEC representative during the workshop.
The aim of this workshop is to weave through the Road Safety Action Plan with participants.
Acting Director of the Ministry’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services Division (TIMSD) Ishmael Alulu sharing key insights with participants during the workshop.