Historic Aufasu–Namoia Road Officially Opens, Unlocks Economic Opportunities For Kwaibaita Communities

Scoop

09-07-2025

8 July 2025
The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), in partnership with the East Malaita Constituency (EMC) Office and communities, on the 4th of July celebrated the grand opening and official handover of the highly anticipated Aufasu-Namoia road infrastructure project.
This road historically connects the East Kwara'ae to the East Kwaio Communities along the Kwaibaita River.
This transformative road development poised to boost connectivity, economic development and improve community livelihoods within the previously landlocked Kwaibaita region.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Namoia Community High School under the theme: 'Successful Partnerships & Cooperation Bring Successes.'
This development marks a significant milestone in the region's progressive journey—transforming one of East Malaita's high agricultural and livestock productive zones with connectivity to markets in other surrounding areas including Auki and Honiara.
Spanning nearly seven (7) kilometers, the road was funded by the national government through the East Malaita Constituency Office with $1.5 million of Constituency Development Funds under its Constituency Development Program.
The achievement brings to the Kwaibaita residents much relief; ending over 50 years of struggle filled with hardship and unfulfilled dreams.
Pastor Machael Mamania of Tasisi Village, East Kwaio, described the road as a game-changer, saying, 'This new road is like cutting the rope of struggles that held us back all these years — lifting the burdens of hardship from our backs.'
He emphasized that inaccessibility had long deprived the people of Kwaibaita valley of meaningful participation in socio-economic initiatives.
'I truly express my gratitude to the national government through Honourable Manasseh Maelanga and his Constituency Office for finally cutting the ropes that kept us trapped in hardships. This brings us closer to a renewed hope and opportunity,' Pastor Mamania expressed emotionally.
Echoing the same sentiment, Chief Kenley Kena of Namoia village, said the wider Kwaibaita communities are overjoyed to finally receive the new road — something that has been a long-standing dream and a heartfelt cry of their great-grannies, fathers and mothers many of whom have since passed on.
'This new road has improved access to Auki, enabling residents and visitors to travel more conveniently. With this development, individuals can now travel from their homes to Auki and return within the same day, a feat that was previously impossible until this road is developed today. This development is poised to facilitate economic growth, and promote greater connectivity,' Chief Kena added.
Ellen Maefiri, a dedicated Community Health Worker from Afetakataka village, East kwara'ae highlighted the road's impact on health services.
'This road represents a milestone for better health and brighter futures. It significantly improves (people) access to health services and clinics in the constituency including Namolaelae clinic on the other side of the river on East Kwaio, and as far as Kilu'ufi hospital, allowing our people to reach vital health services more quickly and safely,' she stated.
'In emergencies, maternal health cases, or patients requiring continuous medical attention, this infrastructure facilitates timely transportation and supply of medicines, leading to improved health outcomes,' Mrs. Maefiri added.
Chief Sale Kwakwae of Darisaia village expressed profound gratitude to the national government, Honourable Maelanga, and the MRD for making this vision a reality.
'Accessible roads are more than pathways; they are the backbone of our safety and progress. They enable police to respond swiftly, facilitate effective patrols, and help maintain peace. Investing in infrastructure is essentially investing in our collective security and resilience,' he said.
Former Malaita Provincial Member for Ward 16 and local transport operator, Finley Fiumae of Namoia Village, East Kwara'ae called the road a 'dream come true' for Kwaibaita communities.
'For decades, our people had to travel long distances with loads of goods on their backs to reach markets and homes. They travelled muddy banks, climbed mountains 'For decades, our people had to travel long distances with loads of goods on their backs to reach markets and homes. They travelled muddy banks, climbed mountains and walk dangerous paths, but thanks to Hon. Maelanga's vision and dedication, for fulfilling our dreams through this road, providing much-needed access and economic opportunity,' he said.
He also praised the positive impact on transportation services and thanked all stakeholders involved in making the project a success. Mr. Fiumae anticipated to see the public transport providers in this region to grow their businesses.
In his remarks, Guest of Honor, Honourable Maelanga, MP for East Malaita underscored the importance of infrastructure for national and regional development and the need for continued collaboration and partnership.
'We must work together, share ideas, and strive toward our common goals for the benefit of all,' Hon. Maelanga stated.
While acknowledging the challenges of such projects, Hon. Maelanga expressed gratitude to the national government, tribal landowning groups, communities of Kwaibaita, stakeholders, and development partners for their unwavering support.
'This road project demonstrates the power of partnership and shared vision in transforming communities and fostering sustainable growth.
'It stands as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, cooperation, and steadfast commitment,' Hon. Maelanga, highlighted.
Similarly, Permanent Secretary of MRD John Misite'e congratulated EMC and constituents for the successful completion of the road project, stating, 'Investing Similarly, Permanent Secretary of MRD John Misite'e congratulated EMC and constituents for the successful completion of the road project, stating, 'Investing CDF in infrastructure like this is not merely about building roads - it's about investing in fulfilling social and economic opportunities, fostering economic development, and building a better quality of life for rural Solomon Islanders.
'Infrastructure is the backbone of development. Every paved road is a bridge to better futures for our people.
'When we pave new roads, we create new opportunities, connecting communities, opening access to education and healthcare, and empowering our people to reach their full potential,' Mr. Misite'e underscored.
PS Misite'e also reaffirmed MRD's continuous commitment to supporting constituency offices to ensure such tangible developments are facilitated to improve social and economic livelihoods of rural communities across the country.
He also extended special thanks to Hon. Maelanga, communities, stakeholders, and tribal landowners for their cooperation, particularly for opening their land to enable access and fulfill the dreams of the Kwaibaita region.
The Kwaibaita region includes East Kwaio and East Kwara'ae communities, and are only separated by the Kwaibaita River which is also the political boundary for East Kwaio and East Malaita Constituencies. This boundary spans along the Kwaibaita River from the coast up through the inland communities along the river.
Known as one of the agricultural hubs in the Malaita Eastern Region and for its fertile plain; communities along the Kwaibaita River basin involved heavily in key agricultural activities such as copra, kava, cocoa and livestock production.
For so long road infrastructure remains the biggest challenge for the hard-working people in this region. Despite this limitation, rural dwellers along the river basin continues to take extra efforts in agriculture and livestock production. With this road, communities can now enjoy the improved connectivity, bringing relief and opening up new economic opportunities for the people. A direct drive from Namoia to Auki town can now take about 2 hours. Previously, this trip might have taken a villager from 8 to 48 hours to eventually reach one's home village along the Kwaibaita river from Auki or vice versa.
This road project equally benefits the people of East Kwara'ae along the river and that of East Kwaio who are only a few meters on the other side of the Kwaibaita River.
The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) office under the leadership of the Hon. Maelanga funded the road project through its CDF 2023-2024 allocation provided by the national government through MRD.
Discussions are now underway between the East Malaita Constituency office and landowners for further road connections from East to Central Kwara'ae on shorter routes to Auki town.
The road works for this road was undertaken by Eastern Esteem Construction.
The program for the road opening concludes with entertainment and feasting.