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Upgrades for Honiara International Airport Runway to Commence Soon through SIRAP2

By Eliza Kukutu

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The Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), implemented by the Solomon Islands Government, with support from the World Bank, is set to begin upgrades for the Honiara International Airport runway.

Essential work sites and contractor’s environmental and social management plan have been completed and construction is now set to begin towards the end of June 2023.

Henderson Runway Repairs
Henderson Runway Repairs

Critical emergency repair works were completed under SIRAP in September 2022, and the upcoming works under SIRAP2 will provide new runway surfacing, including a Runway End Safety Areas at both ends. The existing runway ground lighting will also be upgraded with energy-efficient approach lights. China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), hired under SIRAP2, has recruited a workforce and equipment is being delivered to the site.

“These important upgrades will prolong the life of Solomon Islands’ main link to the rest of the world said Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mr. Moses Virivolomo. ‘’Iam very pleased to see these upgrades move ahead which will ensure passengers, tourists, and even emergency supplies can come into our country in a safer, more efficient and more reliable way’’.

The refurbishment and upgrade of Honiara Airport’s Runway is one part of the SBD1.1 billion SIRAP and SIRAP2 that are being financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA). These projects are being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, with the aim to make the country’s airports safer, more efficient and more climate resilient, while also delivering important upgrades to selected roads and bridges across the country.

Other works under SIRAP and SIRAP2 include upgrades to Munda Airport and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, along with improvements for seven bridges in Malaita, and roads in Noro, Western Province.

End//

– Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project

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