Construction of the new Rescue Fire Station at Honiara Airport reaches 70% completion, boosting aviation safety
Construction of the new Rescue Fire Services Station at Honiara International Airport is progressing steadily, marking a major milestone in the Solomon Islands’ efforts to strengthen aviation safety and emergency response capacity. The project is funded by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA). Construction is being carried out by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) and supervised by Egis.
To date, the project has reached 70 percent physical completion. Major works completed include foundation construction, under-slab blocks, floor slab, columns, staircase and first landing, lintel beams above windows and doors, and reinforced concrete walls. The contractor continues to make strong progress on the superstructure, with most key structural components nearing completion.
Masonry block wall works and core-filling are ongoing, along with formwork for the staircase second landing and installation of the steel beam at the apparatus bay. Concrete quality continues to be monitored through routine compressive strength testing. The next phase will include roofing, installation of building services, window and door fitting, finishing works, and landscaping.
MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea stated that “The Rescue Fire Services Station is a vital investment for strengthening aviation safety in Solomon Islands. We are pleased with the current pace and quality of work and appreciate the strong collaboration between SIRAP2 Project Support Team, the contractor, the supervision consultant, and the World Bank. Once completed, this facility will significantly enhance emergency response capability at Honiara International Airport and contribute to safer, more reliable and climate-resilient air travel for our people.”
Beyond the Rescue Fire Services Station, SIRAP2 is delivering major infrastructure upgrades across the country. These include the construction of an Aviation Complex Building, improvements to Noro Roads, four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, enhancements to Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, installation of 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.
SOURCE : Second Solomon Islands Roads & Aviation Project (SIRAP2)
