ALM UNDP

Summary:

On 2 April 2007 a devastating magnitude 8.1 earthquake struck the Western and Choiseul
Provinces of the Solomon Islands followed shortly after by a tsunami which hit the exposed western coastal villages of the two provinces. Around 50 villages suffered major damage from the tsunami and/or the earthquake. In addition, over 500 other villages suffered either earthquake or tsunami damage at a family level and major disruption to their livelihoods. Among the main islands hit were Gizo, Simbo, Ranongga, Vella La Vella, Shortlands, Western Province and Choiseul Province.

Damage to schools, health facilities and infrastructure was widespread throughout the
affected areas. Re-construction and rehabilitation costs are estimated at $591.7 million. This figure represents around 90% of the 2006 recurrent government budget and will impact fiscal budgets for the Solomon Islands for at least the next 5 years.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) entered in a memorandum of understanding with the
Solomon Islands Government (SIG) in May 2007 to assist with disaster recovery by: (i)
providing technical support to the coordination and drafting of the damage assessment and rehabilitation and reconstruction plan; (ii) prioritizing the Solomon Island Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Investment Project activities where appropriate within the National Transport Plan; and (iii) processing a dedicated emergency assistance project (EAP). This Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (RRP) contains sector plans, and is the outcome of continuous engagement and consultations with SIG, donor partners, non government organizations (NGOs), affected communities, and various task forces.

The Project will rehabilitate essential infrastructure that was damaged by the earthquake and tsunami in Choiseul and Western provinces, including (i) approximately 35 km of rural and town roads, along with about 19 bridges and 35 culverts, (ii) about 4 wharves and 1 jetty, and (iii) the Gizo town water supply and sanitation system. The rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure is expected to restore accessibility in rural areas, allow a resumption of economic activities and social services, and safeguard public health.

Progress:

• Component 1-A rehabilitation strategy and program was completed and delivered to the government in October 2007 
• Component 2-Improvements to assessment, analysis, and subproject preparation are under way and will conitnue throughout 2008 and 2009.
• A review mission visisted Honiara from 19-29 November 2009. The implementation of the TA is satisfactory and the feasibility study reports for the preparation of the Guadalcanal subproject has been completed.