Inclusive Contracting Model Strengthens Progress Under CAUSE II’s Resilient Township Development Component

The Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement II (CAUSE II) Project continues to make strides under its Component 1 – Resilient Township Development, a flagship program aimed at delivering climate-resilient and inclusive urban infrastructure across Solomon Islands’ key townships.

Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and implemented jointly with the Honiara City Council (HCC) and provincial governments of Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Province, Component 1 focuses on strengthening urban resilience through the upgrading of key roads, replacement of small bridges, and improvements in stormwater drainage and coastal protection. These initiatives directly respond to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events that threaten urban communities and infrastructure networks.

Under this component, MID has also adopted an inclusive segmented contracting strategy for road works—a progressive approach designed to broaden participation among local contractors while fostering sustainable national capacity. By dividing road rehabilitation works into multiple smaller lots, MID enables small and medium national contractors to compete effectively and gain experience in delivering climate-resilient infrastructure to international standards. This model not only encourages competition and transparency but also builds the long-term technical and managerial capabilities of Solomon Islands’ construction sector.

“The inclusive segmented contracting approach is a deliberate strategy to strengthen our local construction industry,” said an MID representative. “By empowering smaller contractors to take part in national projects, we are creating opportunities for local enterprises to grow sustainably while maintaining high-quality infrastructure outcomes.”

Survey and Design Progress

The survey and design phase remains on track following initial delays caused by bank guarantee and laboratory testing challenges. Surveying and unexploded ordnance (UXO) investigations have been largely completed, with geotechnical testing expected to conclude by November 15, 2025. This milestone will clear the way for construction procurement and the mobilization of works in key township areas.

Road Works and Drainage Improvements

To ensure inclusivity and timely delivery, MID will tender multiple road work lots, allowing smaller national firms to participate alongside established contractors. Works will be staggered to maintain quality control and consistent drainage and pavement levels. The World Bank has endorsed MID’s approach, also supporting the engagement of small contractors and community groups—particularly in Western and Malaita Provinces—for drainage and minor works aligned with their capacities.

Each contract package will be valued up to the Request for Quotation Ceiling, ensuring equitable access and manageable delivery scopes for local firms. Contractors may bid for one or multiple lots, reinforcing flexibility and scalability in the procurement process.

Tertiary Road Maintenance

Meanwhile, the selection of tertiary road maintenance sites is being synchronized with broader urban infrastructure and waste management initiatives in Honiara. Implementation of maintenance works across eight locations totaling 5.5 kilometers is scheduled to commence in October 2025, followed by one-year community maintenance contracts under Component 2.

Through these interventions, CAUSE II’s Component 1 continues to lay the groundwork for safer, more accessible, and climate-resilient townships, directly benefiting communities and fostering local economic participation across the Solomon Islands.

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About the CAUSE II Project:
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 across the Solomon Islands. Led by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Honiara City Council, in collaboration 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. The project is 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).