All-weather roads in the Solomon Islands have increased connectivity and mobility of people, goods, and services. Roads damaged by the floods of 2009 and 2010 have been rehabilitated and now reconnected rural communities in Guadalcanal and Malaita. Schools, hospitals, and markets are now more accessible, while travel time and costs have decreased.
Of the Solomon Islands’ road networks, 90% are concentrated in Guadalcanal and Malaita. The rest of the provinces are in dire need of reliable and environmentally sustainable transport infrastructure.
The country’s economic growth benefits greatly from improved transport infrastructure. This is because investments that provide jobs and other economic activities rely on mobility made possible by roads, ports, and bridges. Moreover, a transport system that works provides a reliable line to education and health services.
Interventions
ADB provided funding for the Solomon Islands’ National Transport Plan. With cofinancing support from Australia, New Zealand, and the European Union, the Second Road Improvement Project restored and improved road connectivity for rural communities in Guadalcanal and Malaita. Specifically, the project rehabilitated and repaired roads damaged by the floods of 2009 and 2010. Part of this approach was the climate-proofing of waterway crossings, as well as the improvement of roads, for climate change adaptation. In addition, critical road sections were maintained, and project management training was provided to improve the planning, assessment, design, management, and implementation of infrastructure projects.
Results
Rural residents in Makira province now have better access to the provincial capital, Kira Kira, with all-weather road connectivity. The project has increased average travel speed from 25 km per hour (km/hour) to 45 km/hour. More importantly, health services are now easily accessible, with average travel time to the nearest health clinic decreasing by 70%.
Economically, business activities have increased, as transport operators report a 71% jump in logistics movement in the area. Accessibility and mobility are significantly better for West Guadalcanal residents, who now have all-weather connectivity to the capital, Honiara. Travel time between Honiara and Selwyn College, for example, has decreased to 1 hour, compared with the 3-hour journey by boat before the project. Public transport services have also progressed, with more buses making 3–4 return trips a day and transport cost decreasing by as much as 50%. These benefits have improved people’s livelihoods and access to social services, vital for human development.