The Solomon Islands Government has officially received from the World Bank the Declaration of Effectiveness for the Additional Financing for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) in the amount of US$51.2 million on March 3, 2025, marking a significant milestone in advancing the country’s road and aviation infrastructure.
The Additional Financing will support critical infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to Suavanao Airfield and major road works on Malaita. It also covers a financing gap due to exchange rate fluctuations and cost escalations. Restructuring was also undertaken to commission a common regional virtual private network at Honiara Airport, purchase additional ground support equipment at Honiara and Munda Airports, and provide technical support and training to the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands and Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited.
The upgrades at Suavanao Airfield will include the survey of unexploded ordnance and the construction of a new drainage channel on the southern side. The existing side drainage will be deepened, and the runway elevation will be raised to enhance safety and resilience. The base course will be constructed, and the currently unsealed runway, taxiway, and apron will be sealed with bituminous surfacing.
