1 day Ago By Moffat Mamu
WHILE many people enjoy the convenience of reliable transport services to return home for Christmas celebrations, those traveling the East Malaita Road faced significant challenges due to the region’s poor road conditions. Certain sections of the road have deteriorated severely, hindering the ability of vehicles to provide dependable transport services. However, more than a week ago, photos of the deteriorating roads posted on social media drew public concerns, especially from those in East Malaita, who were hoping to see improvements before the Christmas season ends.
An East Malaita man who travelled from Honiara to spend his Christmas holiday in East Malaita shared that many residents who intended to travel to East Malaita for their holiday have faced transportation difficulties from Auki due to poor road conditions. “We have been informed that the road condition in East Malaita is so bad that even a three-tonne truck cannot pass through. “It can take a full day for a vehicle to travel through the deteriorating roads.
This situation has left many of us who travel from Honiara to East Malaita stranded in Auki for days,” the East Malaitan said. He said for the past years, locals have struggled with muddy, impassable roads, making daily travel a significant challenge and they are now calling on the government and the Minister for Infrastructure and Development (MID) to take immediate action. “It has been two years since the government and the Minister for Infrastructure and Development were made aware of the poor road conditions, but no substantial action has been taken.
“Our community feels that our concerns have gone unheard, and the situation is becoming unbearable,” he added. It is understood that the World Bank-funded routine maintenance and spot upgrading projects only covered the section of road from Dala to Kwarea Bridge. The works completed on the road included the installation of 1,100 meters of concrete pavement with drainage systems, grading and re-gravelling, patching, filling up of carriageways and slope reinstatement.
According to a recent media statement, the second section of the East Road, from Baratalo to Atori in Malaita Province, is under emergency maintenance. The statement also mentioned that other parts of the road had already been upgraded, while some sections remain neglected. .
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