Press Release 19th November 2025 World Bank Technical Visits to the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project Sites. A World Bank team has completed a series of technical visits to project sites in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Provinces to monitor progress under the ongoing Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). The team focused on reviewing implementation progress of ongoing civil works, providing support on environmental and social safeguards issues, and strengthening coordination among government partners, contractors, and consultants. The technical visits commenced on November 4, 2025, in Malaita Province where the team travelled to the sites for Su’u Harbor and Bira Bridges on South Road where modular bridge decks were recently installed. Representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), the SIRAP2 Project Support Team (PST), the contractor, and the supervision consultant joined the World Bank team. This was followed by a visit to the sites for Kolofe1 and Kolofe2 Bridges on North Road on November 5, 2025. On November 6, 2025, the team visited the sites at Honiara International Airport for the new rescue fire service station and the aviation complex building, both currently under construction, and that for the new air traffic control tower, currently under preparatory works. On November 7, 2025, the team flew to Western Province, where they visited the site at Munda International Airport for the new air traffic control tower and observed steady progress of the ongoing Noro Roads improvement works that are scheduled to be completed by the end of December 2025. Speaking during the technical visits, World Bank’s Senior Transport Specialist and Task Team Leader, Naoki Kakuta highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between the Solomon Islands Government and the World Bank in delivering sustainable infrastructure. “The ongoing climate resilience and safety investments in Noro Roads, Malaita Bridges, Honiara and Munda Airports, and Santa Cruz Airfield are improving connectivity and helping boost economic activities across the country,” said Kakuta. “We are deeply grateful for the continued support and leadership from the Government; tireless efforts and dedication of the PST, the contractors, and the supervising consultant; and strong partnership from the communities.” Following the technical visits, the World Bank team shared key observations from the sites visited and outlined actions to be taken. An inspection checklist for the road and bridge works was also provided to the contractors, the design and supervision consultant, and the PST to strengthen quality assurance and ensure consistency in project delivery. SIRAP2 is funded by the World Bank and jointly implemented by MID and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA). Building on the achievements of SIRAP, the project focuses on enhancing road and aviation safety, improving climate resilience, and supporting sustainable transport connectivity across Solomon Islands. End///