Press Release 9th April 2026 Progress Update - Aviation Complex Building Construction at Henderson The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has made significant progress on the construction of the Aviation Complex Building at Henderson, a flagship investment under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2), financed by the World Bank. The initiative has reached a major milestone in the superstructure phase with the successful completion of the first-floor slab and beam concrete works. Recent construction activities included installation of reinforcement steel for the first-floor columns, formwork and concreting for the staircase landing, and masonry blockwork for partition walls. A UXO (Unexploded Ordnance) survey was conducted for the newly approved access road and footpath, ensuring safe access for future operations. Reinforcement of column posts is currently underway, with most columns already concreted to enable masonry walls construction. On the first floor, blockwork masonry partition walls are advancing, with completion expected in the coming days, provided weather conditions remain favorable. Independent laboratory tests conducted by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development confirmed that concrete’s compressive strengths range between 85 percent and 100 percent of the specified design strength, validating compliance with design specifications and engineering standards. Monitoring will continue throughout the 28-day curing period to ensure quality assurance. Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, stated: “The Aviation Complex Building is a key infrastructure investment that will strengthen aviation administration and services in the Solomon Islands. We are pleased to see the project progressing well and meeting important construction milestones. The Government, through MCA, remains committed to working closely with development partners and contractors to ensure delivery to the required quality and safety standards.” The contractor, China Railway Construction Engineering Group, will continue superstructure works in the coming weeks, focusing on completing the remaining first-floor columns and commencing construction of beam and slab at the roofing-level. Beyond the Aviation Complex Building, SIRAP2 continues to deliver transformative transport and aviation investments nationwide. These include the construction of four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Santa Cruz and Suavanao Airfields, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, ongoing maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of the East Road between Baratolo and Atori and sealing of 12 kilometres of the North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction. End//////