By EDDIE OSIFELO
Government has halted overlay of existing runway at Honiara International Airport under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project due to high cost.
Ministry of Communication and Aviation permanent secretary, Moses Virivolomo confirmed this before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament this week.
Virivolomo said the project is on hold because they found the amount available for the project is not enough after the initial costing.
He said the project is shifted to overlay the Munda international airport and construction of the terminal.
Furthermore, Virivolomo said under SIRAP, the road sealing will be done at Auki township road and Fiu Bridge.
He said the Honiara International airport upgrade funded by Japanese International Cooperation Agency is reaching 15 percent progress.
Virivolomo said there will be a site visit on April 16.
The SIRAP project is financed by a US$30.5 million credit and a US$20.5 million grant by the World Bank, together with US$3.6 million (SB$29 million) from the Solomon Islands government.
The launch of the project represents a significant achievement for Malaita, which will see an upgrade and maintenance to the 232-kilometre main road network.
This will include resealing 17 kms of the provinces sealed roads, upgrading four bridges, improving vulnerable spots for better road safety and ensuring increased routine maintenance and support.
