BAILEY BRIDGE ARRIVED, READY FOR INSTALLATION

The Bailey bridge to replace the old Mataniko Bridge has arrived in Honiara and all bridge components already delivered to the project site.

The bridge’s installation will begin at the west end of the bridge and is expected to start over the weekend.

Work on the bridge will continue over the coming weeks till its opening in June.

In a statement today, the New Zealand High Commissioner Marion Crawshaw said when completed, the Bailey bridge will do much to enable freer movement of people and goods across Honiara.

The bridge will be installed by Downer New Zealand Ltd with specialist Bailey bridge engineers from New Zealand, and supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.

Local firm, Dalgro will do piling work for the bridge and nine locals have been recruited on a short-term basis.

Local timber is also being procured for running planks and the footway deck.

The bridge is a temporary installation and will be replaced by a two lane permanent structure, with two pedestrian footpaths as part of the JICA-funded Kukum Highway Upgrading.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo says Solomon Islands is extremely grateful to the Government and people of New Zealand for their generous assistance to the country in time of need.

He said New Zealand’s quick response is a great outcome for Honiara and Solomon Islands.