A World Bank mission visited Solomon Islands to support the completion of the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP).
The original project and the implementation of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) will close as of December 31, 2024.
The mission reviewed implementation progress, discussed key achievements and lessons learned under SIRAP, provided support on fiduciary, environmental and social safeguards matter, and confirmed the Solomon Islands Government future priorities.
The World Bank mission team visited Malaita Province on October 21, 2024, and met with the Malaita Provincial Government in Auki, along with representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Project Support Team (PST).
They also visited several project sites and held meetings with the contractors, the supervision consultant, and the community advisory committees for the replacement of Bio1, Bio2, and Koa Bridges; and routine maintenance and re-gravelling of 17 km of North Road and 21 km of East Road.
The mission also met with key officials from the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, and Solomon Airlines.
They also held meetings with the contractor and the supervising consultant for Honiara Airport runway resurfacing and rescue fire services station works.
Additionally, the team visited Western Province on October 23, 2024, to monitor the progress of the ongoing road improvement works in Noro.
They held discussions with the contractor and the supervision consultant on-site with representatives from MID, PST, and Noro Town Council.
“The SIRAP investments have made the roads and bridges safer and more climate resilient, significantly enhancing connectivity and boosting economic activities in Malaita,” said Malaita Deputy Provincial Secretary Peter Herehura.
He also expressed his gratitude to the national government and the World Bank for supporting development through SIRAP.
SIRAP2 is also facilitating the construction of four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrading Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, investing in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.
- SIRAP Media
