Upgrades to Ringgi Wharf on Kolombangara Island, Keru Wharf on Keru Island, Ngasini Wharf on Vangunu Island and Susabona and Tatamba Wharves in Santa Isabel have been successfully completed ahead of schedule and under budget in the second phase of the Domestic Maritime Support Project.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands, provided a combined SI$50.1 million to rebuild the wharves which are now operational.
A sixth wharf will be constructed in Lambulambu on Vella la Vella Island in Western Province for an estimated cost of SI$8.2 million, with the funds coming from cumulative savings as a result of project efficiencies made during the construction work at the other five wharves.
With the latest upgrades, a total of 10 wharves and 2 landing ramps have now been built or improved under the project—which is also supporting a franchise shipping scheme to remote communities. This scheme will allow private sector operators to provide shipping services to destinations which would not otherwise be commercially viable.
[mappress mapid=”19724″]
Press Release