Mbokona Road Bridge and Drainage Construction Contract Signed

HONIARA, Solomon Islands — PLANS for a new road bridge and improved drainage at Mbokona have reached an important milestone following the signing of a construction contract between the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Capitol Construction Pty Ltd on 26 October 2026.

The project will deliver a new reinforced concrete bridge, improved drainage through a stone-pitched channel, a new culvert and gabion walls. These improvements are designed to help reduce flooding risks and provide safer access for residents and road users in Honiara.

MID Permanent Secretary, Mr Mike Qaqara, who led the contract signing at MID Headquarters, described the development as an important step towards mobilising civil works under Component 1 of the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project II (CAUSE II).

“I am glad to see this progress. Today’s signing signals the mobilisation of civil works under Component 1 of CAUSE II,” Mr Qaqara said.

He also called on communities around the project sites to work with the authorities during the construction phase, acknowledging that the works would require some temporary adjustments for road users.

“I call on communities around the project sites for their understanding and cooperation. The works will cause some temporary traffic inconvenience, but they will deliver safer and more resilient infrastructure for Honiara,” he said.

Mr Qaqara added that the contractor would implement traffic management measures, with the public informed in advance of any road disruptions and when construction is scheduled to begin.

The works are expected to take approximately nine months to complete.

Before construction begins, Capitol Construction Pty Ltd will attend a pre-construction meeting with MID and the CAUSE II Project Management Unit (PMU). A Notice to Proceed will be issued once the contractor has satisfactorily completed the required readiness checks, including approval of its environmental, social, health and safety plans.

The Mbokona bridge and drainage works form part of CAUSE II’s broader efforts to improve urban infrastructure and services, supporting safer and more resilient communities in Honiara.

Implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, the CAUSE II Project is supported by the World Bank and the Australian Government through the PNG and Pacific Islands Umbrella Facility Multi-Donor Trust Fund.

Ends ///