28 April 2022
Major aviation, road and bridge investments will soon commence as the Government, through its key Ministries including Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the World Bank Group Team agreed on the terms and conditions of a Financing Agreement.
The Project Appraisal document and other related documents on the proposed SIRAP 2 was finalised on 26th April, 2022. The conclusion of the negotiations means that the project proposal will now progress to the World Bank Group Board in early June, 2022, for final approval.
The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Finance and Treasury, McKinnie Dentana, who is the chief negotiator on behalf of the Solomon Islands Government revealed that the SIRAP2 project has a total funding of USD$89.21 million, which comprises of US$67.69 million concessional credit and US$21.52 million grant. These financing comes under the International Development Association or IDA through the World Bank Group.
Mr Dentana said the major aviation infrastructure project includes resurfacing of the Henderson International Airport, upgrade and sealing of Lata domestic airport, construction of Munda international airport Control Tower and other modern air navigation systems investments both in Honiara and Munda International Airports.
On road and bridges investments, SIRAP 2 will seal Noro Township Road and build 4 permanent bridges in Malaita which include Kolofe 1 & 2 bridges on North Road, Su’u harbor and Bira village bridges on the South Road.
“I am happy that, the World Bank Group team adjusted forward the procurement plans of these major infrastructures. This is consistent to the Government’s Economic Recovery commitments,”Mr. Dentana said.
He revealed that based on these adjustments, the Henderson International airport resurfacing is expected to commence in 4th quarter, 2022, and should finish before the 2023 Game. Lata airport sealing to commence in 2nd quarter, 2023, while Noro Township Road sealing and Malaita bridges rehabilitation work will commence from 3rd quarter, 2023.
Mr Dentana thanked the World Bank Group SIRAP 2 Project team that finalized project documents regardless of the limited timeframe.
The Permanent Secretary also thanked the partners or implementing Ministries, specifically MCA and MID for providing the necessary technical project support during the design of the Project despite the COVID-19 situation and restriction of travels.
Both SIG and World Bank delegations are looking forward to the final Board outcome as well as on the successful implementation of the Project for the benefit to the country.
Source: GCU
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
