Press Release
5th June 2023
New Runway for Munda Airport through Government Implemented, World Bank Supported Project is Progressing well.
Munda is now better connected to the country and the rest of the world through the government run, World Bank supported Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP). The project completed its first phase of upgrades to the Munda International Airport last week and flights are now making use of the upgraded runway.
As half of the runway is completed the airport is already receiving DASH8 aircraft once again with Solomon Airlines Captain Jackson Osi commenting on the high quality of the refurbished section.
Once the Munda International Airport upgrade and refurbishment is completed the airport will be able to host larger aircraft which will present immense opportunities for tourism, travel, and businesses in Western Province. A new terminal building for Munda is on track to be completed by October, 2023.
The refurbishment and upgrade of the Munda airport is only one part of the two phases of the SBD1.1 billion SIRAP and SIRAPII work that is being financed by the World Bank through the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for countries most in need. Implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, these 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.
“This is an important milestone for businesses, tourists and families in Munda,” said Moses Virivolomo, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation. “The government has been implementing SIRAP along with its second phase, SIRAPII, and we thank the World Bank and all IDA donors for this essential assistance to upgrade some of our most important roads and airports.”
“I would like to congratulate the government on this important progress for the people of Western Province,” said Annette Leith, World Bank Country Representative in Solomon Islands. “Through World Bank support the government is creating stronger, more effective links between places and people in Solomon Islands that will improve service delivery for communities in need while providing vital links for business and tourism.”
Once work is completed in Munda, the airport will be able to provide international air links to cities such as Brisbane, Port Vila, and Port Moresby.
Other works under SIRAP and SIRAP II include upgrades to Henderson Airport and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, emergency repairs to the Henderson runway in 2022, investment in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and finance for regional airport maintenance.
The project is also constructing seven new bridges (Koa, Bio1, Bio2, Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges) in Malaita, and the town roads in Noro, Western Province.
ENDS//
