The perimeter fencing upgrade at Honiara International Airport was completed on September 27, 2024, marking a significant advancement in Solomon Islands’ efforts to enhance airport safety and security and to meet the international standards.
This upgrade is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
The perimeter fencing work was carried out by JED Enterprise Limited, a local contractor, and involved replacing 4.8 kilometres of damaged fencing, along with the installation of an automatic sliding gate and three swing gates.
So far, all major construction for the perimeter fence has been completed with only minor activities on-going which are expected to be completed in October 2024.
These include testing and finalizing the installation of the sliding gate, installing the boom gate, backfilling the strip footing along the fence, and removing excess materials from the laydown area and along the perimeter fence.
These upgrades aim to improve airport safety and security by preventing wildlife intrusion and deterring unauthorized access to operational areas, including the runway, taxiways, and aircraft parking zones.
Alwyn Danitofea, Permanent Secretary of MCA, stated; “The completion of the Honiara International Airport fencing work is a vital step towards enhancing airport security and operational safety, ensuring better services for both passengers and aircraft operations.”
SIRAP2 is also delivering other critical infrastructure improvements across Solomon Islands, including construction of four bridges in Malaita Province (Kolofe 1, Kolofe 2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrades to Honiara and Munda International Airports and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, installation of air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and support for the maintenance of regional airports.
These are essential components of the Solomon Islands’ broader strategy to build safer, more resilient transport networks that promote economic growth and regional connectivity.
- SIRAP
