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Solomon Islands to build new ATC towers at Honiara and Munda Airports under SIRAP2 to boost aviation safety and infrastructure.
Solomon Islands is enhancing its aviation infrastructure through the development of new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda Airports. Valued at SBD 109 million, the project forms part of the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), which is implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with funding from the World Bank.
The design and build contract has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with construction supervision services provided by Egis. The contractor is responsible for preparing comprehensive designs, including civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire safety, and hydraulic systems.
Recent progress includes the submission of key documents, technical studies, and coordination meetings, as well as ongoing reviews of the contractor’s compliance with pre-construction and design phase requirements. The architectural design and layout of the Honiara ATCT are currently being refined, with potential design enhancements under consideration. Proposals for a new camera system and a jet blast fence are also expected.
On April 15, 2025, the draft Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP) was submitted to the World Bank for review. Construction will commence once the CESMP and all detailed designs receive approval.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, stated: “The effectiveness for 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 with the incorporation of culturally reflective design elements that showcase the unique heritage of 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 includes several infrastructure projects: the construction of Noro Roads and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, improvements at 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 kilometres of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12 kilometres of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
SOURCE: SIRAP 2
