17 Oct 2007

Japan and ADB help to improve Solomon Islands maritime transport

6:39 pm on 17 October 2007

Japan and the Asian Development Bank are to assist the Solomon Islands with a project to improve the efficiency, safety and reliability of the its maritime transport.

The Solomons Government says the assistance will also help the Ministry of Infrastructure implement recommendations from previous ADB technical assistance projects.

ADB Pacific Department Transport Specialist, Robert Guild, says the project aims to improve transportation, infrastructure and services, which will help reconnect rural communities with domestic and international markets.

He says this renewed access will contribute to the rebuilding of rural economies, fostering private sector and rural income opportunities, and will assist in restoring basic social services.

A grant of almost 300,000 US dollars from the Japanese government will finance the project preparation, with ADB managing the fund.