Gov’t and PRC signs MOU on Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project
The Solomon Islands government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to start constructing the Auki Road Network Rehabilitation Project.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Maelanga and PRC’s Charge de Affairs Ding Yonghua signed the MOU in Honiara on Friday.
PRC’s Charge de Affairs Ding Yonghua and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure Development Hon Manasseh Maelanga signed the MOU as Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Malaita Premier Martin Fini looked on
In his remarks, Hon Maelanga said the MOU represents the interest of the two countries in developing Solomon Islands’ infrastructure and connectivity sector.
“The Auki Road Networks Rehabilitation Project represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve infrastructure and connectivity within our beautiful country. Auki, as the provincial capital of Malaita, holds great potential for economic growth and development. With this initiative, we are not only rehabilitating roads; we are also paving the way for increased trade, investment, and tourism in this region.”
The Auki Road Network will not only enhance transportation but also uplift the image of Auki town.
A group photo
Mr Yonghua described the MOU as one of the outcomes of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s visit to China in July this year.
“The Prime Minister paid a very successful visit to China and reached a broad consensus on our future cooperation with President Xi Jinping, lifting our relationship to the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This project is one of the outcomes of the visit. Since then, our two sides have been working together to realize all the outcomes. Our cooperation is guided by the idea of building a global community of shared future, a concrete action of the Global Development Initiative, and is based on mutual respect and common development.”
Malaita Premier Hon Martin Fini told SIBC News that his government and people have been looking forward to the project.
“We have high expectations for this project and will show that development is going forward in the province. We are thankful to both the PRC and the government for this. Roads have been a long time need of the province.”
Hon Fini also reiterated his government’s stand that they are willing to work with any donor partner that is willing to support the province’s development.
“We don’t favor just the PRC, Malaita is open to whoever wants to support any donor that wants to assist the province. Malaita is a peaceful province, and we look forward to developing the province.”
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By Sharon Nanau