ADB Provides Solomon Islands with $53M for Second Phase of Land and Maritime Connectivity Project

The Solomon Islands government is contributing $21.8 million, bringing the total project cost to nearly $171 million.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is granting the Government of Solomon Islands $53 million as part of the second tranche of financing for the Land and Maritime Connectivity Project, which aims to enhance transport infrastructure throughout the country. This phase continues ADB's long-term support, building on the $74.4 million concessional loan and $74.5 million grant approved in June 2021 for the 10-year project. The Solomon Islands government is contributing $21.8 million, bringing the total project cost to nearly $171 million.

The project focuses on developing sustainable transport networks that are essential for fostering socioeconomic growth in Solomon Islands. It aims to improve connectivity for remote and rural communities, providing better access to markets, health services, and education. ADB Senior Transport Specialist Rika Idei stated, "Developing a sustainable transport network will help drive robust socioeconomic growth in Solomon Islands."

Road and Maritime Infrastructure Development

The second tranche will extend rehabilitation and climate-proofing works on the road transport infrastructure initiated in the first tranche. Ongoing work includes the Henderson–Mberande road section, with 26 kilometers still to be completed. In addition, critical road links such as the 1.7-kilometer Honiara City Council–Ground section and the 3.1-kilometer Town Ground–White River section on Guadalcanal Island are under reconstruction. Climate resilience features are incorporated to ensure year-round accessibility along these essential routes. Once road construction is finished, a five-year performance-based maintenance plan will be implemented to maintain the roads' quality and endurance.

In maritime transport, the project will focus on upgrading provincial wharves. Construction in Kira Kira has begun, while works in Ahanga are slated to commence soon. The new wharves will include modernized passenger facilities and marketplaces, helping to improve both transport and local commerce.

Institutional and Gender Strategy Focus

The second phase also places emphasis on institutional improvements, specifically within the Ministry of Infrastructure Development. A significant aspect of this is the creation of a gender strategy, designed to promote the inclusion of women in technical and leadership positions within the ministry, fostering gender equality in the Solomon Islands' transport sector.

Overall, this ambitious project is a crucial step toward modernizing the country's transport infrastructure, enhancing climate resilience, and promoting inclusive socio-economic growth.