SMC Launches the Road Infrastructure Project

A Ground breaking ceremony for the Small Malaita Constituency (SMC) road infrastructure program and the dedication of road project machineries have been successfully conducted a fortnight ago.

A statement from the SMC said the event was held on 14 June 2017, thanks to the active involvement of the local Member of Parliament for Small Malaita Constituency, Hon Rick Houenipwela.

The SMC Office reported that hundreds of people from Hoasiteimwane, Korutalaupeine, Korutalau Mwaimwei, Kalapea and the surrounding Iola including people from Asimeuri Ward have gathered at Matangasi to witness the event. Representing the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) were the Director, the Financial Controller and the Engineer.

It was reported the ceremony began with Mr Hou and the invited quests being escorted to the stage by Luelape Panpipers followed by presentation of speeches by the Council of Chiefs rep, resource owners’ rep and the Director of Ministry of Rural Development.  Mr Hou made the key note address.

The second part of the program was the service for the ground breaking and dedication of road machineries. It was officiated by the Assistant Bishop for Malaita Diocese, Bishop Raymond Aumae. The event ended with a feast.

Speaking at the ceremony Mr Rick emphasised that this event marked a very significant milestone in the long term development plan for the Small Malaita Constituency. “I count it a huge milestone achievement in the history of economic development in Small Malaita Constituency. This would be the first time for SMC to take possession of our own plant and machineries; it would be the first time to embark on such an ambitious infrastructure development program; it is the first time that we ourselves take the lead to construct our own infrastructure” the MP said.

The statement added that under the current contract, the road project will be constructed in two phases. Phase one is from Matangasi to Rorongo and phase two starts from Rorongo to Tawaro in the east.

Meanwhile, the actual construction work has started, the statement said.

---SMCO PRESS