Monthly Progress Report: A-E Services to Support Infrastructure Related Programming in Solomon Islands

The strategy focuses on improving the social and economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders through sustainable economic growth and improved service delivery. SCALE's purpose is to develop local economies in Malaita at a community level to support further growth at the provincial and national levels and drive expansion of market access and supporting infrastructure. The SCALE-A&E contract is designed to acquire qualified architectural and engineering services in support of SCALE, particularly objective b, which aims to strengthen and expand the agribusiness sector. The contract will complete analyses, feasibility studies, design, and construction oversight of small-scale infrastructure at approximately 10-20 sites. These interventions will support the objectives of enabling environment for trade and investment, improved natural resource governance, and strengthened agribusiness sector. Progress to date includes the engagement of a local consultant team and USAID. On October 22nd, 2021, the SI-based SCALE A&E Technical Team met with the Malaita Province Infrastructure Advisory Committee to confirm their recommended selection of Atori wharf as the preferred eighth small-scale infrastructure project. However, a field visit must be made to the site to estimate the cost within the budgeted amount. USAID will be asked for their concurrence with this project selection. Additionally, a field visit will be made to Afio in the south to investigate the possibility of constructing a wharf there as a later project. The Advisory Committee voiced concerns over the sustainability of infrastructure projects in the event of political change or influence. They suggested that ordinances protecting ownership and operators of infrastructure facilities could be beneficial, but that clear lines of responsibilities need to be established between owners and operators. The committee will investigate a framework for public and private sector partnership and establishing an Infrastructure Trust to hold ownership of facilities, with trustees independent of provincial government. The Premier Advisory Research Unit (PARU) will further research the concept. Data collection and analysis are ongoing, with subcontractor Planet Partnerships working with two consultants on pre-feasibility studies. Information is being collected on various aspects, including availability and condition of access roads, electricity, storage facilities, water and wastewater systems, ICT, waste disposal, and market demand and prices for fish species at Malu'u. The data will be used to inform the pre-feasibility studies and support the development of small-scale infrastructure projects.