Bitakaula School Footpath Nears Completion

AUKI, Malaita Province – CONSTRUCTION of a new 200-metre footpath at Bitakaula School in Auki is nearing completion, with more than half of the pathway already completed.

The footpath project commenced in early September 2026 under the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II), with the aim of providing safer and more accessible movement for students and community members.

The new pathway will help address pedestrian access challenges around the school and improve connectivity to nearby facilities used by students and surrounding communities.

According to the CAUSE II Auki Project Implementation Unit (PIU), work has progressed beyond the halfway mark and is expected to be completed soon.

“We have completed 100 metres of the footpath. We are confident we will complete the remaining 100 metres of the footpath very, very soon,” CAUSE II Auki Resident Works Supervisor (RWS) Joe Ruruti said.

Once construction of the footpath is completed, the next phase will involve the installation of solar-powered lighting along the pathway, further improving safety and accessibility for students and surrounding communities.

The investment forms part of CAUSE II Component 2, which supports climate-resilient community infrastructure and services, including pedestrian facilities such as footpaths and Jacob ladders, solar-powered lighting, public-space improvements, waste cleaning and other community-level services.

CAUSE II is a Solomon Islands Government initiative implemented through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development in collaboration with provincial and local government partners, with support from the World Bank and the Government of Australia.

Ends///