By Hope Imaka – EM TV Online
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is helping the Solomon Islands improve shipping services to spur rural development.
Lengana Wharf in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands has commenced a rehabilitation exercise on its existing structure, making it the thirteenth to be upgraded under the Domestic Maritime Support Project supported by the ADB, Australia, and New Zealand.
The project is improving rural wharves to boost their safety and to make them less vulnerable to climate change and natural hazards. It has establish a franchise shipping scheme to support remote communities and improve regulation and oversight.
The existing structure at Lengana Wharf will be demolished and a new one built alongside, with approach bridges and a causeway included in the planned works. The design of the new wharf will see it elevated high enough to minimise wave and debris damage on the underside, as well as including pilings able to wit’stand earthquakes.
So far out of the 12 wharves and some jetties to be constructed, the project has already constructed five wharves and two landing ramps under the first phase financed by ADB and the European Union. Seven wharves and a ramp were improved under the second phase, financed by the government of the Solomon Islands ADB, the Government of Australia and the New Zealand Aid Programme.
In line with its dedication towards poverty eradication through inclusive economic growth throughout the Asia-Pacific Region, this project aims to open up rural Solomon Islands to the world’s trade and export market.
