Engaging Local Contractors on Inclusive Road Works Strategy

04 September 2025

Honiara, Solomon Islands – The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project Management Unit (PMU) convened a consultation today with Solomon Islands contractors to discuss their participation in the Inclusive Contract Repackaging Strategy for Asphalt Concrete (AC) Roads. The meeting introduced a new approach aimed at broadening local participation in road works by dividing large contracts into smaller, more manageable scopes. This will enable national contractors to bid for labor-intensive components such as earthworks, drainage, and pedestrian infrastructure, while larger and more specialized firms focus on technical works including basecourse preparation and asphalt sealing.

CAUSE II is bringing 25 major contracts to market, and under the new strategy, the nine program roads will be repackaged into three to four times as many tenders. By multiplying opportunities, the initiative makes contracts more accessible to smaller firms while maintaining pace and quality in project delivery.

A recent survey of 40 contractors showed strong readiness among local firms to handle small-scale projects, but limited capacity for medium and large AC road packages. The repackaging approach directly responds to this reality, opening doors for smaller contractors to grow their businesses while ensuring resilient and timely infrastructure delivery.

The consultation was attended by both small and large contractors, along with the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s Transport Infrastructure Management Services (TIMS) Director, Mr. Ishmael, representatives from the Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP), Strongim Bisnis, and Business Link Pacific. Their participation reflected a shared commitment to strengthening local capacity and linking contractors with essential advisory and support services.

Speaking on behalf of small contractors, one participant welcomed the strategy, saying: “This strategy really gives us a fair chance to compete. It matches our current capacities, allows us to learn and grow, and ensures we can play a meaningful role in building the nation’s roads.”

Discussions also underscored the importance of broader support for long-term success, including training, business advisory services, and transparent procurement processes. Contractors expressed appreciation for the chance to take part in projects that will directly benefit Solomon Islander communities.

By aligning infrastructure investment with inclusive economic participation, CAUSE II is ensuring that development is shared more equitably. The consultation marks an important step in empowering local enterprises, creating jobs, and laying the foundation for resilient and sustainable urban growth across the Solomon Islands.

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project is a transformative initiative aimed at improving climate-resilient infrastructure, enhancing economic inclusion, and strengthening service delivery in targeted urban centers. Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Honiara City Council, in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey, and the Provincial Governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province, CAUSE II is a Government of Solomon Islands initiative supported by the World Bank and the Government of Australia through the Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund (PPIUF).