By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Maintenance work on four wooden bridges along South Road, Malaita Province, commenced during this festive season by Trades Transformation Company (TTC). 

The completion of the four bridges will enhance connectivity for the South Road users and the agriculture sector in the province. 

In an interview with the Island Sun yesterday, the Ministry of Infrastructure’s Communication Officer, Teddy Kafo, confirmed the commencement of bridge maintenance. 

He said that next year, 2026, the maintenance of the bridges will be fully operational. 

“By early next year, the maintenance of the four wooden bridges along South Road will be in full swing.

“During this festive period, the Trades Transformation Company (TTC) is now slowly commencing their maintenance upgrades,” he said.

“Currently, the TTC has started with the Maoro wooden bridge, and after that, they will move to the remaining three wooden bridges along the road to ensure the safety of passing vehicles,” he added. 

In the meantime, Kafo urges road users, especially the drivers on the South Road, to continue using wet crossings during the maintenance period and to follow the road signage installed. 

He also called on villagers to respect the workers on the bridges and support them with necessary needs. 

“Yes, I urge road users to continue using wet crossings during these bridge repairs. I also ask drivers to follow the signage installed.

“And also, villagers, we must respect the workers on site and give them the necessary support as they fix our bridges, which will enhance connectivity for our people along South Road,” he said. 

The bridge construction is being done under the Australian-funded National Transport Fund (NTF).

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