New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) announced the release of the second tranche of financing for its Land and Maritime Connectivity Project in Solomon Islands, amounting to $53 million. This funding aims to further bolster transport infrastructure in the country, an ADB press release stated.
Approved in June 2021, the $171 million project is funded by a concessional loan of $74.4 million and a grant of $74.5 million from the Asian Development Fund. Solomon Islands contributes $21.8 million.
Works on the 1.7-kilometer Honiara City Council-Ground section and the 3.1-kilometer Town Ground-White River section are also ongoing. These roads are crucial links on Guadalcanal Island. Climate resilience features are being incorporated into the designs to ensure year-round access along the east-west corridor.
ADB Senior Transport Specialist Rika Idei emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “Developing a sustainable transport network will help drive robust socioeconomic growth in Solomon Islands. The project will better connect people in rural and remote areas to markets, health, and education services.” The second tranche will place a significant focus on institutional strengthening, including developing a gender strategy to support women in technical and leadership roles within the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.