Upgrades to the 2,100-meter-long runway at Munda International Airport in Western Province was completed on Friday 25th of August 2023.
The upgrades were implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) under the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) that is supported by the World Bank.
“The works will ensure Munda remains connected to international flights through enhancements to the resilience of the runway, taxiway, and apron,” a statement from SIRAP said.
MCA praised the quality of the airport runway, saying they were satisfied with the speed at which construction was completed.
Permanent Secretary (PS) of MCA, Moses Virivolomo, said:
“Now that the Munda International Airport runway upgrade is completed, it will be able to host larger aircraft which will present immense opportunities for tourism, travel, and businesses in Western Province.”
Virivolomo also encouraged the Munda community to look after the infrastructure investments.
“This is an important milestone for businesses, tourists, and families in Western Province.
“Soon the airport will be able to provide international air links to cities such as Brisbane, Port Vila, and Port Moresby, building more opportunities for tourism, trade, and businesses in the region.”
The construction was done by China Harbour Engineering Company Limited.
According to SIRAP, the upgrade of the Munda International Airport Runway is only one part of the two phases of the SBD$1.1 billion SIRAP and Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) work that is being financed by the World Bank.
The objectives of these investments are to ensure that the country’s airports are safer, more efficient and more climate resilient, while also delivering important upgrades to selected roads and bridges across the country.
Other investments under SIRAP2 include upgrades to the Honiara International Airport Runway and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu provinces, and finance for regional airport maintenance.
SIRAP and SIRAP2 are also constructing seven new bridges (Koa, Bio1, Bio2, Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges) in Malaita, and upgrading the town roads in Noro, Western Province.