Press Release
8th August 2025
Suavanao Airfield and Malaita Roads Improvements Set to Commence
The Solomon Islands Government has secured an additional US$51.2 million from the World Bank to further implement the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). This Additional Financing will support critical aviation and road infrastructure upgrades in Isabel and Malaita Provinces, aligned with national objectives for improved connectivity, resilience, and inclusive development.
In Isabel Province, Suavanao Airfield will undergo substantial works to facilitate all-weather operational capacity and enhance passenger safety. These works encompass the completion of unexploded ordnance surveys, construction of a southern drainage channel, improvements to side drainage systems, and elevation of the runway for greater climate resilience. The airfield’s runway, taxiway, and apron will be sealed with bituminous surfacing. Further enhancements include the installation of ground lighting, application of line markings, and construction of a small terminal facility to improve passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Concurrently, road improvement works are planned across two key corridors in Malaita Province. The East Road from Baratoro to Atori (21 km) will be rehabilitated through pothole repairs, crossfall correction, upgraded drainage infrastructure, concrete pavement on steep sections, slope stabilization, and road safety improvements. The North Road, extending 12 kilometres from Auki-Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction to Kwaisuliniu Junction, will be upgraded with double bituminous surface treatment and concrete pavement to enhance durability and ensure reliable, year-round access.
Consultations with provincial stakeholders and local communities are presently underway in both provinces. These engagements are being jointly facilitated by the design and supervising consultant (Egis), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), and the SIRAP2 Project Support Team to ensure inclusive planning and alignment with local development priorities.
The Permanent Secretary of both the MCA and MID have reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive infrastructure delivery. They highlighted the strategic impact of these upgrades, emphasizing gains in transport safety, improved access to essential services, and strengthened economic prospects for rural communities.
With the Additional Financing, SIRAP2 has become a US$140.41 million project that finances, among others, construction of four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), improvements to 10 km of Noro Roads and 33 km of Malaita Roads, upgrading of Honiara and Munda International Airports and Santa Cruz (Lata) and Suavanao Airfields, installation of new air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu, and support for regional airport maintenance.
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Consultation in Malaita
Consultation in Baolo, Isabel Province
