Press Release
25th August 2023
Upgrades for Honiara International Airport Runway Progressing Well
Work on the upgrading of the Honiara International Airport runway under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) is progressing well. The SIRAP2 aviation component is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and is supported by the World Bank.
China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) have been contracted to undertake the works. The work is expected to be completed in March 2024 and will provide new surfacing for the airport runway and runway end safety areas. The existing runway ground lighting will also be upgraded with energy-efficient approach lights.
Since the work commenced in June 2023, CRCEG have recruited more than 40 local staff and are now establishing their laydown area, including leveling the ground for a site office, meeting rooms, an asphalt plant and bitumen heating facility, drainage, workers temporary dormitories, and undertaking necessary surveys. Trial milling works (15mm thickness of the existing deteriorated asphalt) were also successfully completed on the 45m wide by 60m long eastern runway end safety area during night time operations on 24/25 August.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Moses Virivolomo, said “the upgrades will prolong the life of Solomon Islands main link to the rest of the world and ensure passengers, tourists, and even emergency supplies can come into our country in a safer, more efficient and more reliable way.”
The upgrades to the Honiara International Airport Runway is one part of the SBD1.1 billion Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and SIRAP2 that are being financed by the World Bank. These projects are being implemented by MCA 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 investments 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.
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