19 May 2014

Solomon Islands to have new bridge installed soon

6:34 am on 19 May 2014

The Solomon Islands Ministry of Infrastructure Development says a new bridge is arriving next week to replace a key installation wiped out by the deadly flooding in Honiara last month.

The Ministry says a New Zealand Government-funded bridge called the Bailey Bridge will arrive on Tuesday.

It is to replace the old Mataniko Bridge which was washed away during the floods which caused significant damage to infrastructure including roads and bridges.

The government says the Solomon Islands Ports Authority and Customs has given priority to this shipment for landing.

Authorities have also appealed to the public to keep away from the area when construction commences, saying the site around the bridge on both sides of the river is now closed off to public access.