Honiara, Solomon Islands — Solomon Islands is advancing its aviation infrastructure with the development of new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda Airports, valued at SBD 109 million.
A statement from the SIRAP Office said this investment is part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with funding from the World Bank.
The contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation under a Design and Build model, with construction supervision services provided by Egis. The Contractor is responsible for preparing detailed designs covering civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and hydraulic systems.
Progress that has been made in recent weeks includes the submission of key documents, coordination meetings, technical studies, and the review of the Contractor’s compliance with pre-construction and design phase requirements.
The SIRAP statement added that the Contractor is currently refining the architectural design and layout of the Honiara ATCT and may propose design enhancements. In addition, proposals for a new camera system and jet blast fence are expected to be submitted.
The draft Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP) was also submitted to the World Bank for review on April 15, 2025. Construction will commence once the CESMP and all detailed designs are cleared.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, stated: “The effectiveness of the design and build of the new ATCT marks a significant milestone in strengthening the nation’s aviation infrastructure to enable a safe, orderly, and coordinated flow of air traffic. Particularly, we are gratified by the incorporation of culturally reflective design elements that showcase the unique heritage of the Solomon Islands. We extend our sincere appreciation to the World Bank for its continued partnership through SIRAP2, and for its critical role in enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of air travel across the country.”
In addition to the new ATCT, SIRAP2 is also working on the construction of Noro Roads and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, upgrades of Santa Cruz Airfield in Temotu Province and Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometers of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometers of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
Ends///
-GCU
