BY RICHARD MENANOPO
A technical team from the World Bank visited Solomon Islands from December 1 to 5, to support the ongoing second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) implementation and to see how SIRAP2 are progressing.
The team met with the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited, Solomon Airlines, the SIRAP2 Project Support Team, the design and supervision consultant, and the contractors, a SIRAP2 statement last week said.
Speaking during the meeting, Permanent Secretary of MOFT, McKinnie Dentana, emphasised the importance of the mission in ensuring strong oversight and accountability in government-led projects.
“SIRAP2 remains a flagship investment that directly supports our transport sector and wider economic goals. The Implementation Support Mission helps us maintain transparency, strengthen project delivery, and ensure that public funds and development finances are used effectively for the benefit of our people,” he said.
MCA and MID also acknowledged the constructive engagement provided by the World Bank and highlighted the mission’s role in supporting major infrastructure works.
SIRAP2 continues to deliver transformative improvements to airports, bridges, and road networks, supporting safer travel, climate resilience, and economic development across Solomon Islands.
The mission reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands Government to deliver safer, climate-resilient, and more reliable transport services for communities across Solomon Islands. It also provided an opportunity for ministries and partners to address outstanding challenges and streamline coordination ahead of next year’s activities, a statement from the meeting said.
During their visit, the World Bank team also reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing works for the Honiara Airport rescue fire services station, Honiara Airport aviation complex building, Honiara and Munda airports air traffic control towers and equipment, Santa Cruz Airfield upgrading, Noro Roads improvement, and Malaita four bridges replacement.
The team also reviewed implementation progress of the ongoing design consultancy for Suavanao Airfield and Malaita Roads improvement, regional airport asset maintenance, technical assistance to Solomon Airlines, activities to address gender-based violence, and road safety capacity improvement.
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