Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade progressing well
Steady progress has been made on the upgrades to Santa Cruz Airfield, funded by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
The works are 43 percent complete, and the first phase of activities is scheduled to be completed by mid-April 2025. This will include subgrade treatment and subbase and base course construction for 700 m of the entire 1,310 m runway. In addition, clearing and preparation works for the second phase has commenced at the eastern end of the airfield.
Last week, officers from MCA and the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey conducted a land survey at the western end of the airfield to confirm boundary alignments. Once completed, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed with landowners to facilitate the planned airfield extension.
3rd layer sub-grade works at western end
“The Santa Cruz Airfield is a crucial transportation hub for Temotu Province, given its remote location approximately 645 kilometres from Honiara. Its strategic importance makes infrastructure enhancement vital for ensuring safe and reliable air transport, particularly during adverse weather conditions or mechanical issues,” Alwyn Danitofea, Permanent Secretary of MCA said.
The contractor has also supported the area and airfield users by providing bins and collecting rubbish at the terminal, providing and cleaning a portable toilet for the Solomon Airlines pilots and passengers, supplying ground water to the hospital for cleaning, and removing end-of-life vehicles at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s workshop as requested by Temotu Provincial Government.
Base course laying works
In addition to the Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade, SIRAP2 is supporting the construction of the Noro Roads and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, an upgrade of Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, rehabilitation of 21 km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and the sealing of 12km of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.
The Solomon Islands Government, through MCA and its development partners, remains committed to strengthening the country’s aviation sector to support economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance service delivery for all Solomon Islanders.
[end]
SIRAP statement