Wednesday 24 January 2007 

The head of Australia’s Agency for International Development (AusAID), Bruce Davis, joined communities in Malaita to open the new Busurata Road.

The improvements have cut travel time from one hour to twenty minutes, and are part of RAMSI’s SBD$30 million commitment to upgrade Malaita’s roads and bridges.

The Hon Caretaker Premier, Reuben Moli, thanked RAMSI for its practical support and help, adding it was the responsibility of Solomon Islands to keep the road maintained.

“The road is now ours. Partners and donors help and support us, but won’t stay forever. It is now up to us to look after this road for everyone to use”, Mr Moli said.

Mr Davis said he was happy to see that Australia’s pledge, through RAMSI,  to improve roads and bridges damaged during the tensions had become a reality.
 
“Economic growth happens when people can improve their lives”, he said.
 
“We understand that development needs to reach all parts of the country. We will continue to work closely with the Solomon Islands Government to improve the lives of people in rural areas”, he said.

“Better roads join communities together and improve access to markets, schools, health centres and agricultural services”, he said.
 
Headmaster of Aisalinga community high school, Mr Malcom Maengaua said that during the tensions the road was very bad and his community was very isolated.

“Now there is a lot more traffic coming on the Busurata Road and it is easy for people to get to Auki market”, Mr Maengaua said.

Mr Davis congratulated and thanked the communities surrounding Busurata for their participation and contribution to the project.

“In particular, I understand the communities from this area contributed sand and gravel for the repairs”, he said.

Over the last year three major roads have been rehabilitated by RAMSI, including the East Road from Dala to Atori and the Fulisango and Busurata Roads near Auki.

In addition, major repair and restoration is being undertaken on the South Road and North Road to Malu’u

Also speaking at the opening, the Special Coordinator of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands, Mr Tim George, said community initiatives like this project built on the efforts of RAMSI.

“RAMSI has helped to stabilise law and order through the hard work of the 15 member countries working together with Solomon Islands Government. This has created a safe environment for Solomon Islanders to begin the long process of rebuilding their communities, provinces and nation”, he said.