SMEC strengthens Solomon Islands’ intermodal connectivity

SMEC has been engaged by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) to design and supervise the construction of selected roads and wharves under the Solomon Islands Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Improvement Program (STIIP).

SMEC has been engaged by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) to design and supervise the construction of selected roads and wharves under the Solomon Islands Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Improvement Program (STIIP).

Solomon Islands’ road network totals approximately 1,523km, of which only 6% is sealed with the remainder being made up of gravel, coral, or earth-surfaced unbound and unsealed roads. Some areas within the two major islands of Guadalcanal and Malaita have no road access.

SMEC will play a lead role in preparing for the upgrading of 38km of urban and rural roads and two wharves, and supervise selected infrastructure works on land and maritime sector sub-projects. In addition, SMEC will act as the Engineer’s Representative in the supervision of MID road maintenance contracts.

“This program addresses significant challenges for the dispersed population of Solomon Islands in terms of access to services and economic opportunities,” said SMEC Project Manager Graham Jones.

With a focus on asset resilience and sustainability, SMEC is screening subprojects for climate change disaster risk during the design phase and incorporating structural and non-structural interventions to ensure that designs can withstand extreme climatic events without sustaining damage.

“STIIP will benefit our population by providing much improved accessibility and mobility through better and more reliable transport. This in turn will contribute to stimulating growth in our domestic industries, such as agriculture and regional trade, as well as expand socioeconomic opportunities for our rural and urban communities,” said Solomon Islands’ Mike Qaqara, MID Central Projects Implementation Unit, Acting Director.

Ahead of the Pacific Games which Solomon Islands will host in 2023, STIIP is an integral part of the Government’s commitment to improve infrastructure and intermodal connectivity in the Solomon Islands.

Read more in our media release