Businesses in Honiara have expressed deep disappointment over lack of progress on traffic congestion, despite numerous calls made over the past months and weeks.
As the peak institution representing private sector, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has observed no significant improvement in traffic conditions over the past week – which is a huge disappointment to businesses.
Reports reaching SICCI maintained that the traffic issue continues to put pressure on Business with growing expenditures in logistics, downfall in revenue and disruptions of general business operation.
As frustration grows, SICCI is calling for greater accountability and efficiency in infrastructure development.
SICCI expects key stakeholders, including the Solomon Islands Government (SIG), the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the Honiara City Council (HCC), the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), Solomon Water, and road contractors, to convene immediately and deliberate on effective measures to address the issue.
SICCI wants to see noticeable progress in traffic conditions along the Western and Eastern sides of Honiara, where major infrastructure projects are currently underway.
The private sector remains hopeful that urgent interventions will be made to alleviate the ongoing traffic congestion and that future construction projects will be managed more efficiently to prevent similar disruptions.
SICCI stands ready to collaborate with relevant authorities to find practical solutions that will benefit businesses, residents, and the economy as a whole.