A World Bank team visited Solomon Islands to conduct a Mid-Term Review for the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) from June 2 to 11, 2025.
During the visit, the team assessed the status of project implementation, discussed key lessons learned, and visited Malaita, Western, Guadalcanal and Temotu Provinces.
On June 2, 2025, the team visited Malaita Province and met with Malaita Provincial Government, along with representatives from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and Project Support Team.
The team also discussed with the contractor and the supervision consultant for the progress of ongoing works at Su’u Harbour, Bira, Kolofe1, and Kolofe2 Bridges.
On June 4, 2025, the team met with the contractors and the supervision consultant for the Honiara Airport rescue fire service vehicle station, Honiara and Munda Airports air traffic control towers, and Honiara Airport aviation complex building, and visited the site for the vehicle station.
On June 5, 2025, the team flew to the Santa Cruz Airfield in Lata, Temotu Province and visited the site for the airfield upgrading works where sealing of the western side of the runway and seawall construction are underway.
They acknowledged the project’s role in enhancing air connectivity for one of the country’s most remote provinces.
On June 6, 2025, the team visited the site for the Noro Roads improvement works in Western Province and observed steady progress and the high standard of workmanship.
This vital economic corridor facilitates transportation for businesses, residents, and visitors, with improved safety features designed to withstand challenging weather conditions.
Permanent Secretary of MID, Allan Lilia, welcomed the World Bank team’s observations and commended the strong collaboration between stakeholders at all levels. “SIRAP2 is delivering real results on the ground. The bridges in Malaita, the Noro Roads, and the Santa Cruz airfield upgrade are not just construction works- they are lifelines that connect our people and support their daily lives.,” said Lilia.
The World Bank team also met with key officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Ministry of Communication and Aviation, and the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, reaffirming their commitment to working closely with the Solomon Islands Government, communities, and stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of all project activities.
SIRAP2 is a US$140.41 million project across five provinces, including, among others, two international airports at Honiara and Munda, two provincial airfields at Santa Cruz (Lata) and Suavanao, 43 km of roads in Noro and Malaita, and four bridges in Malaita.
