Santa Cruz Airfield Upgrade Soon to Start
The tendering process for upgrades to Santa Cruz Airfield runway pavement in Temotu Province concluded and the successful bidder is expected to mobilize upon satisfying the various conditions of the contract requirements.
The work is supported by the World Bank under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) and is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA).
The Letter of Acceptance and Contract Agreement was issued to China Harbor Engineering Company Limited on June 11, 2024, with a kick-off meeting to introduce the contractor to SIRAP2 Project Support Team and the Supervising Consultant held on June 20, 2024.
As part of the conditions of contract, the contractor is obliged to submit its Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form within 8 working days, Performance Security and Environmental and Social Performance Security within 28 working days after issuance of the Letter of Acceptance.
The Contractor’s Environmental and Social Management Plan is one other vital document needed to be submitted for review and approval from MCA and the World Bank prior to mobilization and commencement of works.
So far, the Beneficial Ownership Disclosure Form was signed and been submitted on June 15, 2024.
The upgrade is vital as the 645-kilometre distance from Honiara means it can be difficult for aircraft to return from Santa Cruz if there are adverse weather conditions or mechanical issues.
At present, the runway at Santa Cruz is top-soiled and often saturated with standing water. Without proper pavement and drainage system, the runway is easily flooded, which damages the runway and makes landing and takeoff difficult, the northern end of the runway is also exposed to increasing wind driven ocean swells.
SIRAP2 will also upgrade the airfield’s seawall, seal the runway, and improve the taxiway airfield drainage and apron.
Mr. Alwyn Danitofea, Permanent Secretary of MCA said “the upgrade will improve services to Santa Cruz. It will also reduce travel time and delays related to service disruption and increase passenger numbers.” He further noted that the works will create job opportunity to the people within Lata as well.
In addition to Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade, SIRAP2 is also constructing Noro Road, four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges), upgrading Honiara and Munda Airports, investing in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, and supporting regional airport maintenance.
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–Solomon Islands Roads & Aviation Project Press Release