Choiseul Bay Township Project preliminary scoping & road inspection completed
A dedicated scoping and road inspection team from the Ministry of Infrastructure (MID) has successfully completed a preliminary assessment at the Choiseul Bay Township Project (CBTP) site.
The mission, which commenced on April 8th and concluded yesterday consisted of a Gizo-based engineer and four geotechnical and survey technicians from Honiara.
The primary objective of this scoping mission is to conduct an assessment of the proposed Lot 9 Tarekukure Road Network. It involves establishing a reliable and well-structured road and drainage system for the designated township area.
Aerial view of the Choiseul Bay Township Project
Their focus is on road alignments, culverts, drainage systems, and bridge structures, which are crucial for the successful future developments within the township.
The roads linked under this scoping will also provide access to the new hospital, light industries, and cemetery zones. A detailed design is expected for tender by mid-2025.
This component will be funded by the Ministry of Provincial Government Institutional Strengthening development budget with MID providing the needed technical support.
A budget of $5 million has been committed to ensure the successful completion of this component.
Lot 9 at the site covers the new proposed hospital site and several industrial plots
For the inspection part, the team evaluates the ongoing road construction headed by the local firm, FT Construction, on Lot 1, which connects to Ngalivuli.
This assessment is critical to measure progress and ensure that all construction complies with contract specifications.
Choiseul Province is categorised under Region 2, alongside the Western and Isabel Provinces, and this project serves as a landmark undertaking in the region.
CBTP has been recently declared a national government project, aimed at relocating Taro Town to the mainland.
The team apply Dynamic Cone Penetrometer Soil Test-a geotechnical investigation to determine the suitability of the soil (compaction, stability, and drainage characteristics) in preparation for graveling of the road network gravel road
This project is a pioneering effort in the Pacific Islands, addressing the challenges posed by climate change and the limited availability of space to accommodate urban growth.
The government technical team extends its sincere gratitude to the Choiseul Provincial Government for the invaluable support and facilitation provided during this mission.
Collaboration among all stakeholders is fundamental to the success of this flagship project, which promises to enhance sustainable infrastructure and living standards for the Choiseul people.
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MID statement/photo