BY LORETTA B MANELE
The construction of the new Santa Cruz Airport Terminal has reached a significant milestone, with all major civil, structural, architectural, and building services works now substantially completed.
This announcement was made by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), through the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and with support from the World Bank in a statement from SIRAP2 Project yesterday.
The statement said this landmark investment is a representation of major enhancement of aviation infrastructure for Temotu province and the Solomon Islands.
SIRAP2 said key phases of the terminal which include design and mobilisation, site preparation, foundation works, soil treatment, and concrete works have been successfully delivered.
To add on, structural works such as steel and timber installation along with roofing systems, skylights, gutters, and downpipes are also complete providing a fully functional terminal structure.
“All internal and external finishes, including wall, ceilings, doors, windows, and decorative elements, have been finalized. Essential passenger facilities such as toilet, sinks, and water closets are installed, alongside installation two 10,000-litre water tanks, a fully operational septic system, and complete mechanical, electrical, plumbing, sanitary, and hydraulic systems.
“Additional infrastructure like fire alarm, furniture and fixtures, security fencing, drainage works, and an open parking area has also been completed,” the statement said.
Also stated is that testing and commissioning works are currently 80 percent complete and final connection to Solomon Power is still pending.
These final steps are said to be critical to ensure full operational readiness and compliance with safety standards.
MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea spoke highly of this project, saying that it is a milestone that demonstrates what can be achieved through effective collaboration, technical diligence, and a shared commitment that has driven this initiative forward.
He also highlighted that while construction nears completion, the priority should be ensuring that systems are fully tested, safe and ready to provide reliable services for the people of Temotu.
“While construction is nearing completion, our priority remains ensuring that all systems are fully tested, safe, and ready provide to provide reliable services for the people of Temotu Province,” said Danitofea.
According to the SIRAP2, this new terminal with the recently upgraded airfield is expected to be officially handed over to MCA and the people of Temotu province in August this year.
Apart from this project, SIRAP2 is also engaged in other infrastructure projects in other provinces.
“Beyond this activity, SIRAP2 continues to deliver several road and aviation infrastructure investments nationwide.
“These include the upgrades of 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,” the statement said.
Photo credit: SIRAP 2 Project
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