World Bank injects SBD$729.435 to improve infrastructure here under SIRAP
THE World Bank has injected USD89.21 million (SBD729.435) to Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), the launching workshop was held at Heritage Park Hotel, Wednesday.
With the USD89.21 million, USD7.69 million (76%) is in credit and USD21.52 million (24%) is in grant, equivalent to SBD729.435.
The SIRAP 2 (which was launched yesterday) is a continuation on the success of the SIRAP 1 that commenced in 2019 and now in its fourth year of implementation.
Minister of Finance and Treasury, Hon Harry Kuma said the workshop held yesterday marks the official launch of the latest assistance from the World Bank to SIRAP2 of Solomon Islands.
“This assistance valued at USD89.21 million (USD67.69 million credit and USD21.52 million grant) equivalent to SBD729.435,” he said.
Mr. Kuma said SIRAP2 will build on the achievement and lessons learned from the original SIRAP project and will make further significant contribution to both the road and aviation sectors.
SIRAP2 will strengthen the climate resilience and safety of the road and aviation sectors through stronger assets, improve safety and maintenance practice, and enhance capacity in asset management and project implementation.
There are three major component of SIRAP2.
Firstly, SIRAP2 will continue wider aviation infrastructure improvement at the Honiara International Airport including runway pavement overlay, extending the life if the runaway.
New Rescue Fire Service Station, Air Navigation Aids and Airfield Lighting, Air Control Tower and other building and infrastructure support to the airfield operation.
Mr Kuma said this work complements the significant improvement being provided with JICA assistance.
SIRAP2 will also provide further investment at Munda International Airport with the construction of an Air Traffic Control Tower and car parking to the new Terminal Building (currently under construction).
SIRAP2 will improve the climate resilience and safety of Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield through runaway upgrading alongside drainage improvements and the construction of new seawalls.
Secondly, SIRAP2 will continue climate resilience and safety improvements of road infrastructure with sealing and resealing of 9.9km of roads at Noro, and the replacement of four bridges in Malaita, two bridges at Kolofe and the Su’u Harbor and Bina Bridges.
“These improvements align with other road improvement projects across the national and provincial road networks,” he said.
The Ministry of Infrastructure Development will benefit from the support to climate resilience road asset management, road safety, and project implementation.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation will benefit from national airports development plan and targeted training in airport planning and management.
“As with SIRAP, SIRAP2 includes a facility to provide an emergency response in the event of a devastating natural calamity.
“Upon request to the World Bank, project funds can be reallocated to provide an immediately response to a significant calamity that may befall Solomon Islands when necessary additional funds will be requested,” he said.
Mr. Kuma added that SIRAP2 reflects the commitment from the World Bank and the Solomon Islands Government to the ongoing development of our national and people.
He said a large share of our people will benefit from improved and uninterrupted air travel connection which also provides benefits to other sectors such as tourism, fishery, agriculture, health and general commerce.
“Our people and economy will also benefit from improved access to markets, work, education and medical services encourage all players involve with the delivery of SIRAP2 project to bring your best efforts and encourage all stakeholders and government agencies to actively engage in this exciting work for the benefits of all Solomon Islands,” he said.
World Bank Resident Representative Ms Annette Leith said it is with great pleasure for her to join the SIRAP2 launching.
“On behalf of the World Bank, I would like to congratulate the Solomon Islands People and Government on this important milestone.
“I am grateful that SIRAP2 investment, which has a large focus on aviation, will enhance regional and international connectivity and contribution flights during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am also pleased to note that the investments will enable greater access to markets and key basic services, and as such will improve living conditions for the people of Solomon Islands,” she said.
SIRAP2 will build on the achievements and lessons learned from the ongoing Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (Known as SIRAP).
On the same juncture, Mr Kuma extended his special thanks to the donor partners from World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Australia Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, International Finance Corporation, Japan International Cooperation Agency, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and United States Agency for International Development.
“Solomon Islands would not be here today without your continues support and assistance,” he said.
By LACHLAN EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
