The Aviation Complex Building at Henderson has reached a major completion milestone, with physical construction substantially completed under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).
The project is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with financial and technical support from the World Bank. Construction is being carried out by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), with Egis Asia providing construction supervision.
Remaining architectural finishes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing installations, external works, landscaping and approved variation works have been completed. Final inspections and stakeholder visits have also been conducted as part of the close-out, handover and operational readiness process.
Two critical items remain outstanding: installation of the transformer by Solomon Power and procurement and integration of the required information technology hardware by MCA.
The two activities must be completed before final testing and commissioning of affected building systems can proceed, allowing the facility to become fully operational and ready for handover.
MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea said the completion of the physical works was a significant achievement for the ministry and its project partners.
“We are pleased to see the Aviation Complex Building reach this important stage,” Danitofea said. “The completion of the physical works is a significant achievement and reflects the commitment of the Ministry, our project partners and contractors to delivering a modern facility that will strengthen the capacity and efficiency of Solomon Islands’ aviation sector.”
Wider aviation and transport upgrades
SIRAP2 is also supporting a broader program of aviation and transport infrastructure improvements across Solomon Islands.
The program includes the upgrading of Santa Cruz and Suavanao airfields, construction of air traffic control towers at Honiara and Munda international airports, and installation of air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces.
The project is also supporting regional airport maintenance and road improvements, including rehabilitation of 21 kilometers of East Road between Baratolo and Atori and sealing of 12 kilometers of North Road between the Auki-Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
The Aviation Complex is expected to strengthen aviation-sector capacity and support more efficient management of Solomon Islands’ air transport infrastructure once the remaining systems are installed, tested and commissioned.
