BY LORETTA B MANELE
The construction of the new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda International Airports is progressing well under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
A statement from SIRAP2 yesterday said this project is funded under the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the towers are being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with Egis Asia providing construction supervision.
SIRAP2 said a key milestone has been achieved at both sites with the successful transition from substructure to superstructure works.
Following backfilling, work has continued to the ground and first-floor levels with current activities including masonry block works, reinforcement detailing, and formwork installation for columns and shear walls.
“At Honiara (Lot 1), masonry block wall is being constructed on the ground floor, columns have been cast up to the structural slab. Preparations are ongoing for shear wall casting and reinforcement detailing on the first-floor beams and slabs.
“At Munda (Lot 2), works have advanced to the first-floor level, including reinforcement detailing for shear walls and column, alongside formwork installation for the parapet and stairway structure leading to the second floor,” the SIRAP2 statement said.
Meanwhile, close monitoring and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works are concurrently on the roll at both sites to ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards.
SIRAP2 said the procurement of key building components such as doors and windows is also being finalised to support upcoming stages.
Alwyn Danitofea, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) highlighted the strategic importance of the towers.
“The construction of these new ATCT at Honiara and Munda International Airports will significantly enhance air traffic management, improve operational efficiency, and support safer aviation services for both domestic and international operations,” he said.
SIRAP2 said the contractor aims to accelerate progress in the coming months, focusing on reinforcement detailing, MEP installations, and casting of first-floor beams and slabs at both sites.
Also noted is that once completed, the towers will strengthen aviation safety, improve operational efficiency, and support the continued growth in the Solomon Islands aviation sector.
Photo credit: SIRAP2
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