Climate-Resilient Road Asset Management Improvement Underway in Solomon Islands

Training participants actively engaged with FinnOC resource personnel during the training session, as facilitators guided discussions, shared key knowledge, and led practical learning activities aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding and skills.

Training participants actively engaged with FinnOC resource personnel during the training session, as facilitators guided discussions, shared key knowledge, and led practical learning activities aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding and skills.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and with support from the World Bank, is advancing efforts to strengthen the management of the country’s transport infrastructure through the Climate-Resilient Road Asset Management Improvement initiative.

Implemented by Finnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC), the initiative is modernizing the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System (SITAMS) to better support the planning, prioritizing and maintenance, and climate resilience of roads, bridges, culverts, and wharves. The upgraded system will integrate climate vulnerability data, improve the quality and management of asset information, and provide MID with more advanced tools to guide transport infrastructure investment and maintenance decisions.

Significant progress has already been achieved, including submission of the Inception Report, capacity-building and training programs for Transport Infrastructure Management Services staff, and procurement of essential equipment to support the implementation and operation of the improved asset management system.

Acting Permanent Secretary of MID, Mr. Mike Qaqara, stated:

“The Ministry is committed to improving the management of our transport assets to ensure they continue to provide safe, reliable and efficient services to communities throughout Solomon Islands. Through the support of the World Bank and the technical expertise provided by FinnOC under SIRAP2, we are enhancing our asset management systems and building the capacity of our staff to make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date information.”

As climate change continues to impact our infrastructure network, a forward-looking and proactive approach to infrastructure planning and maintenance is essential. This initiative will help MID better understand climate-related risks and vulnerabilities, prioritize investments, and improve the resilience and longevity of our roads, bridges, culverts and wharves.

Beyond this technical assistance activity, SIRAP2 continues to deliver several road and aviation infrastructure investments nationwide. These include the upgrades of Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, construction of the new Aviation Complex Building in Honiara and Air Traffic Control Towers in Honiara and Munda, ongoing maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of the East Road between Baratolo and Atori and sealing of 12 kilometres of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.

PRESS RELEASE