The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) Project Information Document (PID) Concept Stage | Date Prepared/Updated: 30-Jun-2021 | Report No: PIDC32088 Jun 20, 2021 Page 1 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data OPS TABLE Country Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Project Name Solomon Islands P176548 Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) Region Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Practice Area (Lead) EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC Jan 31, 2022 Mar 29, 2022 Transport Financing Instrument Borrower(s) Implementing Agency Investment Project Financing Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Infrastructure Treasury Development, Ministry of Communication and Aviation Proposed Development Objective(s) To improve the climate resilience and safety of the Recipient's road and aviation sectors, and in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to provide an immediate response to the Eligible Crisis or Emergency PROJECT FINANCING DATA (US$, Millions) SUMMARY-NewFin1 Total Project Cost 73.50 Total Financing 73.50 of which IBRD/IDA 73.50 Financing Gap 0.00 DETAILS -NewFinEnh1 World Bank Group Financing International Development Association (IDA) 73.50 IDA Credit 47.25 IDA Grant 26.25 Jun 20, 2021 Page 2 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) Environmental and Social Risk Classification Concept Review Decision Substantial Track I-The review did authorize the preparation to continue Other Decision (as needed) None. B. Introduction and Context Country Context 1. Solomon Islands is the Pacific’s largest archipelagic nation, extending some 1,500 kilometers from east to west and consisting of nearly 1,000 islands, the largest of which include Guadalcanal, Malaita, and New Georgia (in Western Province). The country is bordered by Papua New Guinea to the west, Nauru to the north, Tuvalu and Fiji to the east, and Vanuatu to the south. With an almost entirely Melanesian population of 721,455 in 2019,1 Solomon Islands is the third largest country in the Pacific following Papua New Guinea and Fiji. Seventy-six percent of the country’s population, dispersed across some 90 inhabited islands, resides in Malaita Province, Guadalcanal Province, Western Province (that includes Munda and Noro), and the Capital Territory of Honiara. 2. Solomon Islands’ per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in 2019 was US$2,497,2 which sits at the lower end for countries in the region. The service sector, such as wholesale and retail trade, real estate and renting, transport and storage, and public administration and defense, is a major part of the Solomon Islands economy, contributing 56 percent of GDP. Outside the service sector, agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and logging are the main economic activities, accounting for 35 percent of GDP. The industry sector, including manufacturing, construction, electricity and water, and mining and quarrying, make up the remainder of the economy. 3. The country faced a difficult period of civil unrest known as “the tensions� from 1998 to 2003,3 which led to the intervention of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands from 2003 to 2017. Its economy grew strong following the restoration of peace and order, with an annualized average GDP growth rate of 4.6 percent in 2003 –2019. The key contributor to this economic progress was a growth in services, as well as forestry and logging sectors. However, the country’s economy contracted by 4.3 percent in 2020 due to the impact of COVID -19. Growth is expected to pick up to 1.5 percent in 2021 and 4.5 percent in 2022.4 4. Aggregate poverty has declined since the tensions; however, a high proportion of Solomon Islanders are vulnerable to falling into poverty.5 The poverty rate, based on the national poverty line, has reduced from 22 percent in 2005/06 to 14 percent in 2012/13, implying that some 45,000 people were lifted out of poverty over that period. Despite 1 SIG, Provisional Count, 2019 National Population and Housing Census, November 2020. 2 IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2021. 3 The tensions resulted from grievances between the local Guadalcanal landowners and migrants, predominantly from Malaita, drawn by economic opportunities. Violent clashes involving rival militant groups led to two hundred deaths, displacement of thousands, and the widespread destruction of property. While often characterized as an ethnic conflict, the tensions had multiple political and economic causes, including the disproportionate concentration of economic development in and around Honiara compared to the rest of the country. 4 IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2021. 5 The World Bank, Solomon Islands Systematic Country Diagnostic (Report No. 115425-SB), June 2017. Jun 20, 2021 Page 3 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) the improvement, the wellbeing of Solomon Islanders is highly vulnerable to frequent shocks. In fact, poverty remains extensive in the country, with 12.7 percent of the people still living below the national poverty line. The country ranks 151st out of 189 on the 2019 United Nations Human Development Index, placing it in the ‘medium human development’ category.6 5. Solomon Islands is highly susceptible to climate change and natural disasters. Located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and within the Pacific cyclone belt, the country is highly prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, tsunamis, coastal and river flooding, and landslides. Given its location and physical characteristics, it suffers from extreme events associated with climate vulnerability, including sea level rise, storm surges, and increased precipitation and flooding. The April 2014 flash floods were one of the strongest on record and closed Honiara Airport for eight days. Many significant earthquakes have occurred in the past, including the December 2016 earthquake of magnitude 7.8 that struck some 130 kilometers from Honiara. With climate change, it is anticipated that average annual and seasonal rainfall will increase over the course of the 21st century, and extreme rainfall days are likely to occur more often.7 In addition, the intensity and frequency of days of extreme heat are projected to increase in Solomon Islands over the course of this century.8 The Solomon Islands’ susceptibility to natural disasters make transportation a critical pillar in the country’s economic and social development. 6. Solomon Islands has averted community transmission of COVID-19, with the country recording only 20 confirmed cases and no deaths by June 18, 2021.9 A State of Public Emergency was declared on March 25, 2020 and international flights have been suspended since March 28, 2020 (except for occasional Government-approved charter and cargo services). While inter-island travel is allowed, international travel is restricted with borders remaining closed and scheduled international flights suspended. In May 2020, the Government announced on a SBD309 million (US$38.6 million) economic stimulus package in response to COVID-19, which included financial support to Solomon Airlines. The State of Public Emergency is scheduled to be in place until July 25, 2021,10 and Solomon Airlines’ suspension of scheduled international passenger services has been extended until October 30, 2021.11 Sectoral and Institutional Context 7. Given the strong performance of the ongoing Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP, P166622) and the need to expand it further, SIG requested a follow-on project called the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2).12 SIRAP was approved on March 28, 2019 with US$30.5 million equivalent IDA credit and US$20.5 million equivalent IDA grant. The Project Development Objectives (PDOs) are ‘to improve operational safety and oversight of air transport and associated infrastructure, strengthen the sustainability and climate resilience of the Project Roads, and in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to provide an immediate response to the Eligible Crisis or Emergency’. The 6 UNDP, Human Development Report 2020. 7 Pacific Climate Change Science Program: Current and Future Climate of the Solomon Islands. https://www.pacificclimatechangescience.org/wp- content/uploads/2013/06/13_PCCSP_Solomon_Islands_8pp.pdf 8 Pacific Climate Change Science Program: Current and Future Climate of the Solomon Islands. 9 WHO, COVID-19 Dashboard 10 National Disaster Council, National Situational Report 20, April 2021. https://solomons.gov.sb/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/SLB_NEOC-SIG- CONSOLIDATED-SITREP-20_COVID-19-RESPONSE_20210413.pdf 11 Solomon Airlines, Solomon Airlines extends suspension of regular international flights, February 2021. https://www.flysolomons.com/about- us/news/schedule-updates/solomon-airlines-extends-suspension-international-flights-to-30-october-2021 12 SIG has submitted two request letters in relation to a new transport project under IDA19. The first letter dated October 10, 2019 notes the government’s commitment to redirect all policies and programs to support economic growth in Solomon Islands, requesting the n ew transport project to focus on key infrastructure identified by SIG to stimulate growth in agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. The second letter dated April 26, 2021 notes the success of SIRAP and the need to expand it further, requesting the World Bank to seek access to Regional IDA for activities relevant to the regional criteria. Jun 20, 2021 Page 4 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) project includes the following five components: (i) Honiara and Munda Airports Infrastructure Investments; (ii) Malaita Road Improvement and Maintenance Program; (iii) Institutional Strengthening; (iv) Project Implementation Support; and (v) Contingent Emergency Response. As of June 18, 2021, SIRAP’s overall IDA disbursement is US$7.95 million (15.6 percent of the project’s total IDA financing), which exceeds the disbursement target of US$6.88 million for Q4 FY2021. Aviation 8. Of 28 airports and airfields in Solomon Islands, 10 are government-owned including Honiara, Munda, Gizo, Seghe, Suavanao, Choiseul Bay, and Santa Cruz. The Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) is responsible for aviation policy development, strategic planning, development works, and operation and maintenance of the airports; and is implementing the ongoing World Bank-funded SIRAP. The Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) is responsible for safety and security regulation. In June 2016, SIG established Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIACL), a state-owned enterprise under MOFT and MCA. It is planned that all the government-owned airports and airfields will be transferred from MCA into SIACL’s management once the SIACL’s Chief Executive Officer is mobilized. Solomon Airlines is the only airline providing scheduled domestic air services in Solomon Islands. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, four airlines operated scheduled and non-scheduled international air services to and from Solomon Islands: Air Niugini, Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines, and Virgin Australia. 9. The Aviation Sector Strategy prepared under SIRAP was accepted by MCA in October 2020.13 The strategy entitled ‘Unmasking our Skies/Airways’ identified five focus areas: (i) safe aviation connectivity; (ii) infrastructure; (iii) sustainability and growth; (iv) accountability and partnerships; and (v) capacity. It notes that funding the implementation of the strategy is key to achieving its vision of ‘Safe and Secure Skies – Connecting Solomon Islands to the World’. The priority actions listed in the strategy include, among others, implementation of corrective actions against the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP) audit; implementation of legislative amendments (e.g., for aircraft accident investigation); establishment of a National Airports Development Plan (for 10 provincial airports); and development of airport asset management plans; all of which would be supported under SIRAP2. 10. The Master Plan for Honiara and Munda International Airports developed with the Solomon Islands aviation stakeholders under SIRAP was completed in March 2020. For each of the airports, the 20-year Master Plan prepared, among others, vision statements and development guidelines, necessary infrastructure and layout for future planned operations, and prioritized investment plans. The Master Plan also examined the impact on SIACL’s financial performance under the proposed investment plans. The Master Plan notes that a total of US$106.5 million will be required to upgrade the two airports for the period up to 2030, including the ongoing JICA and the World Bank’s investments. The Master Plan does not recommend the runway extension at Honiara within the timeframe of the Master Plan (i.e., until 2039). SIRAP2 will invest in the items listed in the prioritized investment plans. 11. Since May 1985, Solomon Islands is a member States that has ratified the Convention on International Civil Aviation (or Chicago Convention), which requires the country to adopt ICAO’s established Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) to the extent practicable. The ICAO USAOP audit conducted in 2006 and subsequent ICAO missions benchmarked Solomon Islands below the latest global average in all the eight critical areas of legislation, organization, licensing, operations, airworthiness, accident investigation, air navigation services, and aerodromes (Figure 1). Among these, a noteworthy deficiency is found on accident investigation where Solomon Islands scores 8.79 percent in effective implementation of SARPs, which is behind the global average of 56.47 percent. This lack of effective implementation of accident investigation is due to the absence of an independent accident investigation body. Another deficiency is observed 13 MCA, Aviation Sector Strategy Solomon Islands, Final Report, October 2020. Jun 20, 2021 Page 5 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) on aerodromes, which is one of the key areas where significant progress is needed to improve its overall score; hence, the high relevance of the proposed SIRAP investments. Source: ICAO USOAP Notes: Solomon Islands was audited in 2014, Tonga in 2019, and Samoa in 2010. The Tonga and Samoa scores are included in this figure as a reference. These are the countries that plan to join SOARR with Solomon Islands. The global average showed in this figure was calculated in June 2021, during which effective implementation for the eight critical elements was 70.12 percent. This corresponds to the lack of effective implementation at 29.88 percent, compared to 66.25 percent for Solomon Islands. Figure 1: Effective Implementation of ICAO SARPs for Selected Countries Versus Global Average14 12. The upgrading of Honiara is ongoing by MCA with the support of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Bank. The ongoing JICA-funded ‘Project for the Improvement of Honiara International Airport’ (2018–2022) is mainly upgrading and expanding the taxiway and apron, international and domestic terminal buildings, as well as providing a flood protection dike. Under SIRAP, the installation of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B)15 ground station was completed in April 2021, and the installation of the Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) communications system is ongoing. The proposed investments under SIRAP2 in runway overlay, airfield ground lighting, a rescue fire service vehicle station, an automatic weather observation station, an air traffic control tower, crash alarms, and perimeter fence will support JICA’s and SIRAP’s investments at Honiara, ensuring that the airport meets all regulatory compliance requirements. 13. SIRAP2 will complement the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and SIRAP investments at Munda by ensuring that the airport achieves full international operations. To unlock the Solomon Islands’ tourism potential and fishing industry, MFAT has supported the country’s aviation sector by funding major rehabilitation works including those at Munda. The improvements included runway overlay with chip seal, the installation of runway lighting, the replacement of non-directional beacon and distance measuring equipment, the set-up of a container-based control room for air traffic control services, the installation of an airport perimeter fence, and the construction of a Rescue Fire 14 The Effective Implementation of each audit area is rated from 0% to 100%, with 0% being "Not Implemented" and 100% being "Fully Implemented". The effective implementation score represents the percentage of satisfactory USOAP protocol questions applicable for a given State. 15 ADS�B is a modern technology which is part of ICAO’s strategic plan for the Asia -Pacific region. ADS�B is a satellite�based technology f or aircraft monitoring. It enhances safety by making an aircraft visible, in real time, to air traffic control and to other appropriately equipped ADS�B aircraft with position and velocity data transmitted every second. It also allows for more efficient aircraft operations, as well as providing continuous location data which is of value in case of emergency. Jun 20, 2021 Page 6 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) Station, and provision of two refurbished fire tenders. These investments led Munda to receive its first international flight in March 2019, while also allowing the airport to serve as an alternate airport to Honiara. SIRAP is investing in overlay of the runway, taxiway, and apron with asphalt concrete; a new terminal building; ADS-B, and VSAT. The proposed SIRAP2 investment in an air traffic control tower will complement MFAT and SIRAP-funded investments to ensure that Munda can continue to receive international flights, with an appropriate level of safety and facilities. Roads 14. The road sector is under the overall jurisdiction of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID). The ministry consists of the following five departments: Corporate Support Services; Architecture Building Management Services; Mechanical Works Services; Transport Infrastructure Management Services (TIMS); and Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration. TIMS is responsible for programming, design, and implementation of road infrastructure maintenance and new works (including main, feeder and access roads). It is also responsible for asset management and the Solomon Islands Transport Asset Management System (SITAMS). Under the Director of TIMS, there are three sections for: (i) Policy and Planning; (ii) Quality Control and Assurance; and (iii) Operations and Maintenance, each managed by a Deputy Director. MID is implementing the ongoing World Bank-funded SIRAP and the Community Access and Urban Services Enhancement Project. 15. The road network in Solomon Islands is publicly owned and operated. The approximately 1,500 kilometers of the road network consists of 625 kilometers of main roads (42 percent), 523 kilometers of feeder roads (35 percent), and 346 kilometers of access roads (23 percent). Three-quarters of the road network (including all the 184 kilometers of sealed roads) are in Guadalcanal, Malaita, and Western Provinces, and the Capital Territory of Honiara. In Malaita Province, a total of 390 kilometers of road network exists, of which 17 kilometers are sealed (it is planned that 15 kilometers of the sealed road in Malaita will be resealed under SIRAP). There is a clear need for investment in Malaita road network. The province accounts for 24 percent of the national population and 26 percent of the country’s road network, but only 4 percent of Malaita’s roads are sealed. The sealing of the roads aims to counteract damage due to high rainfall intensities, thereby ensuring year-round access for road users and reducing the need for frequent regrading and regravelling. 16. The Solomon Islands’ road infrastructure is heavily exposed to climate and natural disasters due to its overall climatic and geographic features. This is compounded with the high sensitivity of the road network towards extreme hazards such as heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides due to poor structural characteristics and inadequate road maintenance. Out of approximately 1,500 kilometers of road network, 88 percent is unsealed, making these roads impassable during heavy rains. Once damaged, gravel roads often do not get timely and adequate maintenance or rehabilitation due to budgetary constraints. In addition, much of the road network is situated on the perimeter of the islands and is only a few meters above sea level, hence extremely vulnerable to cyclones and storm surges. Flood-related disruptions of the road network have significant socioeconomic consequences partly because the existing road network has no alternative route in the event of disruptions. 17. Solomon Islands’ poor road infrastructure condition – part of which is due to high exposure to frequent natural and climate change disasters – make road safety measures paramount for the well-being of road users. In 2016, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the road safety fatality rate was 17.4 fatalities per 100,000 population,16 with 104 estimated road traffic deaths in Solomon Islands that year.17 A Global Road Safety Facility (GRSF)- funded Road Safety Management Capacity Assessment for the Solomon Islands notes that lack of safe design standards for roads, poor road conditions in rural areas, poor pedestrian infrastructure, lack of speed limit signate and traffic calming, 16 The road fatality rate is higher than that in Fiji (9.6), Samoa (11.3), Papua New Guinea (14.2), Vanuatu (15.9), and Tonga (16.8). 17 WHO, Global Status Report on Road Safety 2018, Geneva. Jun 20, 2021 Page 7 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) and overloaded logging trucks are key issues related to road safety management.18 These issues have been addressed under SIRAP where a road safety audit informed the designs, and will continue to be dealt with under SIRAP2. The Assessment also proposed to commence and implement 14 institutional management priority activities and 15 Safe System intervention priority activities during 2021–2023, some of which (e.g., establishment of a National Road Safety Committee) would be supported under SIRAP2. 18. For the proposed World Bank support to the road sector, SIG has given priority to the selected sections of Malaita North and South Roads and Noro Roads, both of which are the only links connecting the northern and southern part of Malaita and New Georgia Islands, respectively. These roads are critical for transportation of fishery and agriculture produces to markets, as well as for access to employment, health, education, and social services. Indeed, Malaita North and South Roads connect the provincial capital of Auki to Dala market in north and the proposed site for Bina Harbor in south, and Noro Roads run through a tuna processing plant, Noro International Port, and Noro market. Of Malaita’s main roads, SIRAP will finance the resealing of 15 kilometers of the sealed sections; replacement of three small bridges on North Road; routine and periodic maintenance and spot upgrading of 59 kilometers of the gravel roads; and replacement of Fiu River bridge (to be funded from SIG counterpart funding). Further, while the Noro –Munda Road has been rehabilitated in 2014 with the assistance of New Zealand, no major upgrading work has been undertaken for Noro Roads. SIRAP2 contributes to support MID to upgrade Malaita North and South Roads and Noro Roads that have a high priority under the National Transport Plan (NTP) 2017–2036. Regional Approach 19. The aviation sector provides vital national, regional, and international connectivity for Pacific Island Countries (PICs). Air connectivity is essential to meeting educational and medical needs and enables effective regional integration with the neighboring countries. Air services are essential for the import and export of goods and are a prerequisite for tourism development. Characterized by a diverse mix of long-haul and thin air transport markets, the high dependence on air linkages emphasizes the importance of air transport in the economic and social development of PICs. Strengthening the viability, efficiency and sustainability of the sector is paramount to PICs’ economic and tourism development. A reliable network of air links, within and among island countries and to major hubs such as Australia and New Zealand and beyond, is therefore essential to the viability of these countries from humanitarian, political and economic perspectives. 20. However, safety and climate resilience of the airports in PICs are at risk mainly because of poor operation and maintenance, and insufficient infrastructure. PICs generally take a reactive approach to infrastructure maintenance. This is defined as a “run-to-failure� strategy where assets are operated until they fail and are then repaired. The specialized nature of aviation places a high burden on small countries with limited human resources. Due to funding constraints and the relatively small, specialist nature of airport infrastructure, PICs do not have a robust proactive and preventative maintenance culture. This leads to slow and expensive repairs due to the remoteness of locations, difficulty in maintaining supply chains, and accessing the required expertise. For example, both Kiribati and Vanuatu have had international carriers cease operations to their countries due to the poor condition of aviation infrastructure, which resulted in major negative impacts on their economies and employment.19 The COVID-19 pandemic further worsens the situation as airport authorities in PICs suffer from a significant decrease in their revenues due to the limited number of flights. 21. The World Bank is preparing a series of aviation activities under the three pipeline transport projects in Pacific 18GRSF, Road Safety Management Capacity Assessment for the Solomon Islands, Final Report, November 2020. 19An assessment of the 2015 flight cancellations in Vanuatu by the World Bank suggested they potentially led to a 7% decline in tourism spending, amounting to approximately 1.25% of GDP. This economic shock put some 700 jobs at risk, disproportionately affecting women who hold 48% of tourism jobs, versus 38% of paid jobs in the overall economy. Jun 20, 2021 Page 8 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) to address effectively the most common regional challenges, such as operational safety and resilience to natural disasters, that limit regional air transport connectivity. These activities (collectively called Safety of Aviation for Regional Resilience, SOARR) aim at enhancing resilience, safety, and asset management of airport infrastructure in the region. One of the main activities will be the Regional Airport Asset Maintenance Contract, which is a multi-country, multi-year, performance-based maintenance contract for airports, aiming at establishing a preventative maintenance culture for the aviation sector in the target countries and enhancing safety and climate resilience of airport operations. The other activities include acquisition of safety equipment and facilities, and development of resilient infrastructure. It is critical to ensure aviation safety through these activities in particular when international flights resume after many airplanes have been grounded and airports have not been fully in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic. 22. The proposed project will support Solomon Islands’ part of SOARR and seek mobilization of Regional IDA resource to finance it. The justifications for mobilizing Regional IDA include the following: (i) at this stage, three countries, namely Tonga,20 Samoa,21 and Solomon Islands, plan to join the activity through an IPF operation in each country, and all face similar aviation-related challenges and the urgent need to improve air transport safety and resilience to support economic growth; (ii) all three countries are participating in the same regional safety oversight organization, the Pacific Aviation Safety Office initiative, which promote a regional and coordinated aviation safety oversight; (iii) the proposed investments are expected to generate significant cross-boundary benefits through a uniform approach to improving airport safety and climate resilience. For example, the Regional Airport Asset Maintenance Contract will generate economies of scale for the investment and attract private sector interest with a sizable contract; and (iv) SOARR will contribute to a quick recovery of the regional economy by ensuring safety of air transport after a long suspension of international flights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relationship to CPF 23. SIRAP2 is aligned with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Solomon Islands for FY2018–FY2023 (Report No. 122600-SB). The CPF is organized around three focus areas: (i) strengthening the foundations of well-being; (ii) promoting inclusive and sustainable growth; and, (iii) managing uneven development. The proposed project aligns well with the second and third areas. Addressing critical roads and airport infrastructure improves connectivity—essential for growth—, reduces costs associated with transport, and mitigates the exclusion engendered by uneven development across Solomon Islands. It is also vital to improving service delivery to underserved communities, as this will enable greater access to markets and improve living conditions in rural areas. Further, the benefits of greater regional cooperation and global integration are maximized through a project that will strengthen the air transport regulatory environment and improve aviation safety and security to international standards. 24. The proposed project is also consistent with the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016–2035, NTP 2017– 2036, and Medium Term Transport Action Plan (MTTAP) 2019–2023. SIRAP2 supports the NDS’s objectives, in particular sustainable and inclusive economic growth, access improvement to health and education, and resilient and environmentally sustainable development with effective disaster risk management. The project also contributes to the NTP 2017–2036, of which the investment program is centered on rehabilitation and maintenance of existing infrastructure, as well as improvement of transport network resilience. The proposed investments are also aligned with the priority projects listed in the MTTAP 2019–2023. 20 Tonga Climate Resilient Transport Project II (TCRTP II, P176208). The PDO is ‘to improve the climate resilience and safety of the Recipient’s tr ansport sector’. The closing date is June 30, 2029. 21 Samoa Aviation and Road Investment Project (SARIP, P176272). The PDO is ‘to improve the climate resilience and safety of Samoa’s transport sector’. The closing date is August 30, 2029. Jun 20, 2021 Page 9 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) 25. SIRAP2 will contribute to the implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions of Solomon Islands to the Paris Agreement, its Climate Change Policy 2012–2017, and National Action Plan for Adaptation, particularly in terms of building climate proofing infrastructure, and adapting to long-term climate impact in all development sectors including transport. 26. The proposed intervention is complementary to other recently completed or ongoing activities in Solomon Islands, including: (i) SIRAP, which finances infrastructure investments at Munda Airport and on the selected roads and bridges on Malaita; communication, navigation, and surveillance systems for Honiara and Munda Airports; and associated technical assistance in the aviation and road sectors, including the Solomon Airline Strategy Review, Honiara and Munda Airports Master Plans, Aviation Sector Strategy (including post COVID-19 Solomon Airlines Strategic Options Analysis), road safety advisor, and the activities to address gender-based violence; (ii) the Climate and Disaster Resilient Transport in Small Island Developing States (RTSIDS, P164157) Advisory Services and Analytics (ASA), which provides guidance and develop strategies to establish climate and disaster risk-informed road asset management systems;22 (iii) the Implementation of Innovative and Efficient Bridge Technologies (TF0A6892) ASA, which undertook an assessment and is conducting pilot program to support implementation of two types of innovative bridge construction technologies;23 and (iv) the Road Safety Management Capacity Assessment (TF073163) ASA, which undertook a national level road safety management capacity assessment, with a focus on crash data collection, recording and analysis.24 C. Proposed Development Objective(s) 27. The proposed PDO is to improve the climate resilience and safety of the Recipient's road and aviaiton sectors, and in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, to provide an immediate response to the Eligible Crisis or Emergency. Key Results (From PCN) 28. Progress would be measured against the following PDO-level result indicators: (a) Honiara Airport certification by CAASI based on regulations compliant with the relevant ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (Yes/No); (b) Modernization of air traffic and aviation safety management achieved (Text)25; (c) Operational safety equipment and facilities at regional airports under a preventative and corrective airport maintenance contract (Yes/No); (d) Length of roads rehabilitated with climate resilience measures (Kilometers); and (e) Length of roads rehabilitated with road safety measures (Kilometers). 29. Table 1 provides the theory of change for SIRAP2. The key underlying assumptions include: (i) the detailed design and quality of civil works are adequate; (ii) the PST has adequate capacity to complete the functions required for all the 22 Bank-executed trust fund from the GFDRR Japan–World Bank Program for Mainstreaming Disaster Risk Management in Developing Countries was obtained for the programmatic ASA under RTSIDS. The US$1 million grant will be used for the selected countries to (i) assess the climate and natural disaster vulnerability of road assets; (ii) support develop strategies and transition plans to strengthen the resilience of road systems; and, (iii) provide capacity building to counterparts through knowledge exchange events and/or online platforms. 23 This activity is being conducted under SIRAP and is financed through the Quality Infrastructure Investment Partnership sponsored by the Government of Japan. The US$0.19 million grant is used to demonstrate the application of: (i) pre-fabricated modular bridges that can be shipped to a site and rapidly installed; and, (ii) geosynthetic reinforced soil abutments that can be constructed without specialized equipment. 24 This activity is being conducted under the Samoa Climate Resilient Transport Project (P165782). The US$0.19 million Bank-executed trust fund from the GRSF was obtained as part of project preparation. 25 The baseline would be “No ADS-B�, an intermediate target would be “ADS-B partially operational�, and the end target would be “ADS-B fully operational�. Jun 20, 2021 Page 10 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) activities under SIRAP2; (iii) the Malaita Provincial Government allows contractors with any origins into the province; and (iv) impacts of COVID-19 pandemic are manageable by SIG and the World Bank in first years of the project. Table 1: Theory of Change Project Activities Outputs Outcomes Impact Honiara Airport. Runway overlay; Runway overlaid; AGL, PAPI, and Honiara Airport certification by Safer and more efficient install airfield ground lighting (AGL), simple approach lighting CAASI based on regulations transport services Precision Approach Path Indicators installed; a rescue fire service compliant with the relevant (PAPI), and simple approach lighting; vehicle station constructed; ICAO Standards and Improved reliability of construct a rescue fire service AWOS installed; standby Recommended Practices transport infrastructure in the vehicle station; install an automatic generators provided; a control event of a natural disaster weather observation station tower constructed; a CAASI (AWOS); provide standby building constructed; crash Modernization of air traffic and Increased access to markets, generators; construct a control alarms provided; and perimeter aviation safety management work, education, and medical tower; construct a CAASI building; fence replaced achieved services provide crash alarms; and replace perimeter fence Enhanced tourism and trade Munda Airport. Construct a control A control tower constructed; car Operational safety equipment tower; construct car parking; and parking constructed; and crash and facilities at regional airports Increased employment provide crash alarms alarms provided under a preventative and opportunities Air Navigation Systems. Install ADS- ADS-B ground stations installed; corrective airport maintenance B ground stations; install VSAT; and VSAT installed; and solar power contract provide solar power provided Regional. Implement a five-year Critical mechanical and electrical multi-country Regional Airport Asset assets maintained with a multi- Length of roads rehabilitated Maintenance Contract year maintenance contract with climate resilience measures Malaita roads. Seal 17 kilometers of 17 kilometers of North Road North Road; Spot upgrading and sealed; 18 kilometers of South regravelling of 18 kilometers of Road provided with spot Length of roads rehabilitated South Road; and (re)seal 20 upgrading and regravelling; 20 with road safety measures kilometers of South Road kilometers of South Road (re)sealed Noro roads. Rehabilitated 4.1 4.1 kilometers of gravel roads kilometers of gravel roads and 4.6 and 4.6 kilometers of sealed kilometers of sealed roads roads rehabilitated Provide technical support and Technical support and training to training to MCA and/or Solomon MCA and/or Solomon Airlines Airlines provided Provide technical support and Technical support and training to training to MID MID provided Including Contingent Emergency CERC Operations Manual Response Component (CERC) adopted and appropriate Improved ability to respond to training undertaken disasters 30. Aviation component beneficiaries. The main beneficiaries of the aviation component will be: (i) the population of Solomon Islands who will benefit from improved international air travel connections not interrupted due to inadequate or unsafe infrastructure, and improved reliability of aviation infrastructure in the event of a national disaster where airports are essential to the emergency response, as well as being capable of serving as a base of operations for search and rescue efforts; and (ii) individual travelers, air freight users, including cargo owners, airlines, forwarders, and logistics companies who will benefit through the provision of safer international and domestic air travel, and more efficient operations in the airport terminals; and (iii) the population of Munda who will benefit from the economic development opportunities that will arise from international flights directly to Munda—particularly with regard to tourism and the potential export of fresh tuna. Jun 20, 2021 Page 11 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) 31. Road component beneficiaries. The main beneficiaries of the road component in Malaita Province will be the nearly 53,000 people living in the six wards (Fauabu, Buma, Aimela, Auki, Waneagu Silana Sina, and Keaimela/Radefasu) connected by the two main roads included under the project, as well as up to 61,500 people in 11 wards (West Baegu/Fataleka, Mandalua/Folotana, Fo’ondo/Gwaiau, Malu’u, Matakwalao, Takwa, East Baegu, Nafiuna, Tai, Kwarekwareo, and Siesie) that connect to the project roads via the main roads. The main beneficiaries of the road component in Western Province will be nearly 4,100 people living in Noro ward, as well as some 3,200 people in Munda ward that connect to the project roads via the main road. These people will benefit from improved road access to markets and services in Auki in Malaita and Noro and Munda in Western Province and onward connections to Honiara, with better road conditions resulting in reduced travel times and lower public transport costs. Public transport options will also be improved, with closed vans and buses complementing the open trucks on some routes. D. Concept Description 32. The proposed PDO is to be achieved through four components: (i) Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Aviation Sector (approximately US$43.03 million); (ii) Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Road Sector (US$26.94 million); (iii) Project Management (approximately US$3.53 million); and (iv) Contingent Emergency Response (US$0 million). 33. Component 1: Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Aviation Sector (approximately US$43.03 million). This component will support investments to improve the climate resilience and safety of aviation in Solomon Islands and will be implemented by MCA. The following activities are proposed: (a) Sub-component 1.1: Honiara Airport Infrastructure Investments (approximately US$28.99 million, including US$5.2 million from National IDA and US$23.79 million from Regional IDA). To improve operational safety and overall infrastructure resilience to climate change at Honiara, this sub-component will finance cost overruns/financial gaps of SIRAP, namely: (i) overlay of the existing asphalt paved runway of 2,200 meters long and 45 meters wide; (ii) installation of airfield ground lighting, Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI), and simple approach lighting; (iii) design and construction of a rescue fire service vehicle station; (iv) installation of an automatic weather observation station; and (v) provision of standby generators.26 Further, as a scale-up activity, this will finance: (i) design and construction of an air traffic control tower; (ii) provision of crash alarms; (iii) supply and replacement of perimeter fence at Honiara. (b) Sub-component 1.2: Munda Airport Infrastructure Investments (approximately US$6.34 million from Regional IDA). Under SIRAP, the design and build of a new terminal building is ongoing, while the overlay of the existing chip seal runway of 1,800 meters long and 30 meters wide with asphalt concrete is being undertaken. To enable Munda to receive international flights with enhanced climate resilience and improved safety, this sub-component will finance (i) design and construction of an air traffic control tower; (ii) construction of car parking at the terminal; and (iii) provision of crash alarms. (c) Sub-component 1.3: Modernization of Air Navigation Systems (approximately US$1.48 million from Regional IDA). This sub-component will improve air traffic safety and climate resilience of air traffic navigation during inclement weather through the modernization of air navigation systems. Under SIRAP, ADS-B ground stations were installed, and VSAT communications system is being installed, both at Honiara and Munda. To expand the ADS-B coverage in the Solomon Islands air space, this sub-component will finance the following investments in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces: (i) supply and installation of ADS-B ground stations; (ii) supply and installation of VSAT communications system; and (iii) provision of solar power. (d) Sub-component 1.4: Regional Airport Maintenance (approximately US$3.20 million from Regional IDA). To improve sustainability and resilience of airport assets at Honiara and Munda, this sub-component will finance Solomon Islands’ contribution to/participation in a five-year multi-country Regional Airport Asset Maintenance Contract to 26 The detailed design for the activities (i) and (ii), and the reference design for the activity (iii) have been prepared under SIRAP. Jun 20, 2021 Page 12 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) maintain critical mechanical and electrical assets whose failure would compromise safety or disrupt operations at the international airports. The activity represents Solomon Islands’ participation in the regional SOARR and will be financed from a Regional IDA. (e) Sub-component 1.5: Technical Assistance (approximately US$3.02 million from Regional IDA). In addition to the above investments in airport infrastructure and air navigation systems, as well as regional airport maintenance, the following technical assistance activities are proposed: (i) a consulting service for supervision of civil works under sub- components 1.1 and 1.2; and (ii) technical support and training to MCA and/or Solomon Airlines that will be selected based on the training needs analysis that will be conducted under SIRAP as well as recommendations in the Aviation Sector Strategy including the post COVID-19 Solomon Airlines Strategic Options Analysis (technical support to CAASI and SIACL will be provided under SIRAP). 34. Component 2: Climate Resilience and Safety Investments in the Road Sector (approximately US$26.94 million from National IDA). This component will finance design and civil works of the selected sections of North and South Roads in Malaita Province and Noro Roads in Western Province to improve resilience to climate-related hazards and seismic disasters, and to improve safety of the road network, and will be implemented by MID. (a) Sub-component 2.1: Malaita Roads Improvement (approximately US$21.20 million from National IDA). Under SIRAP, the World Bank is financing: (i) resealing of the existing 15 kilometers of sealed roads; (ii) spot upgrading and regravelling of the existing 59 kilometers of gravel roads between airport turnoff and Dala on North Road and between Dala and Atori on East Road; and (iii) replacement of three small bridges on North Road. To complement these ongoing investments, this sub-component will finance: (i) sealing of the existing 17 kilometers of gravel road between airport turnoff and Dala on North Road; (ii) spot upgrading (including riverbank protection near Bina) and regravelling of the existing 18 kilometers of gravel road between Auki and Bina on South Road; and (iii) sealing of the same 18 kilometers of gravel road (after spot upgrading and regravelling) and resealing of 2 kilometers of sealed road between Auki and Bina on South Road. Similar to the ongoing investments under SIRAP, these activities would involve rehabilitation of base layers, raising of pavement, culvert/drainage improvement, gabion slope treatment, pothole/edge repairs, and crossfall correction to make the roads resilient to climate change and natural disasters. To improve road safety, the investments will also finance sealing its shoulders, developing bus stops, installing signages, providing line marking, and installing road safety furniture, such as guard rails, flexible bollards, and reflectors. (b) Sub-component 2.2: Noro Roads Improvement (approximately US$3.20 million from National IDA). Much of the existing road network in Noro, Western Province is nearing, or beyond, its service life. To preserve the asset, this sub- component will finance: (i) rehabilitation of 4.1 kilometers of gravel roads; and (ii) resealing of 4.6 kilometers of sealed roads. These activities will undertake appropriate pothole/edge repairs, basecourse correction, culvert/drainage improvement, and road safety improvements. (c) Sub-Component 2.3: Technical Assistance (approximately US$2.54 million from National IDA). The above road infrastructure investments under Sub-components 1.2 and 1.3 will be accompanied by the following technical assistance activities: (i) a consulting service for detailed design and supervision of civil works; and (ii) technical support and training to MID to improve road safety based on the recommendations in the road safety management capacity assessment. 35. Component 3: Project Management (approximately US$3.53 million, including US$1.36 million from National IDA and US$2.17 million from Regional IDA). This component will finance Project Support Team (PST) contracted staff and operating costs associated with implementation of the project, and yearly audits of the project accounts that SIG will submit to the World Bank. It is proposed that the SIRAP PST will be expanded with additional staff to manage both SIRAP and SIRAP2. The PST comprises the Project Manager, Deputy Project Manager (seconded from MID), National Safeguards Specialist, Community Liaison Officer, Project Accountant, Procurement Specialist, Communications Specialist, and Administrative Assistant. The PST continues to be supported by a team of international specialists, including a Program Manager, a Finance Manager, a Procurement Specialist, a Safeguards Specialist, a Pavement Specialist, and an ADS-B Jun 20, 2021 Page 13 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) Specialist. 36. Component 4: Contingent Emergency Response (US$0 million). Since Solomon Islands will remain vulnerable to climate change and severe weather events, even with the successful implementation of the first three components, supporting post-disaster/pandemic recovery is an important feature of the project. This zero-dollar component is designed to provide swift response in the event of an Eligible Crisis or Emergency, by enabling SIG to request the World Bank to reallocate project funds to support emergency response and reconstruction. The Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC) Operations Manual, including CERC Environmental and Social Management Framework as an annex, needs to be prepared and adopted by SIG; and this would be prepared following the CERC Operations Manual prepared and adopted by SIG for SIRAP. The definition of disasters that could trigger CERC would be broad enough to include pandemics or other health-related events. 37. Project Financing. The National IDA allocation for SIRAP2 is still to be confirmed, but an indicative amount of US$33.5 million is anticipated. The project would leverage a further US$40 million from Regional IDA for the international aviation activities given the wider benefits of improved regional connectivity. The 50:50 ratio for grants and credits is applied for the Solomon Islands IDA financing; however, in agreement with SIG some projects will be fully funded via grants, thus the ratio for the entire SIRAP2 would be 36:64 grant to credit. 38. Development of Solomon Islands Construction Industry. The project will be designed and implemented to develop the local construction industry by having Solomon Islands-based contractors doing the works. For activities that involve international competitive bidding, this could be in the form of association such as a sub-contractor to or a joint venture with an international contractor. Details will be discussed and agreed with MCA and MID during project preparation. 39. Climate Co-Benefits. As noted in paragraph 5, Solomon Islands is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, cyclones, tsunamis, coastal and river flooding, and landslides. The Climate and Disaster Risk Screening for SIRAP2 shows that the overall road and aviation sectors and the targeted infrastructure is moderately and highly exposed and sensitive to climatic hazards. This vulnerability is in large part because most of the population live within 1.5 kilometers of the coastline, rendering a considerable portion of the country’s economy, infrastructure, and livelihoods vulnerable to changes in climate.27 To address these challenges, the proposed works will improve the climate resilience of road and aviation infrastructure from future extreme weather events through improved design (e.g., raised road, improved drainage, sealed shoulders, scour protection, and crossfall correction). The proposed works will also provide support for improved maintenance practice in the aviation sector. In addition, the project will contribute to increase energy efficient use by installing airfield ground lighting, PAPI, and simple approach lighting using solar power or light emitting diode technologies. Modernization of airport navigation systems, technical support and training, and the inclusion of emergency protocols will further help reduce the impacts of future climate related extreme events. 40. Gender. SIRAP2 will include specific actions to address gender gaps by allowing women to better exploit available economic opportunities. These would include: (i) implementation of the Aviation Sector Strategy prepared under SIRAP that includes the recommendation of bridging the gender gap and attracting more women to the aviation sector (women account for 37 percent (59 staff) at MCA, 45 percent (5 staff) at CAASI, and 31 percent (71 staff) at Solomon Airline);28 (ii) design and construction of a rescue fire service vehicle station at Honiara to allow for female workforce growth in 27Climate Risk and Adaptation Country Profile, 2011. 28In the road sector, the ADB-funded Land and Maritime Connectivity Project approved on June 4, 2021 prepared Gender Action Plan, which includes the following similar activity for MID: “An institutional gender strategy, which includes recommendations and targets for increasing women’s employment and supporting women in technical and leadership roles in MID, approved and implemented�. Jun 20, 2021 Page 14 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) particular considerations for separation of male/female sleeping quarters, showers, and changing rooms; and (iii) inclusion of gender responsive road safety infrastructure (e.g., lighting on bus shelters, footpath) as part of the investments on Malaita and Noro roads. Further, SIRAP2 would complement the gender-based violence (GBV), violence against children (VAC), and trafficking strategy prepared and being implemented under SIRAP, potentially by making GBV/VAC referral details available at bus shelters and communities along the project roads and airports. 41. Citizen Engagement. The project will implement specific measures to maximize citizen engagement, specifically using a robust Grievance Redress Mechanism, which builds upon the one already established under the ongoing SIRAP. The project will include one citizen engagement indicator of ‘Grievances registered related to delivery of project benefits that are addressed (Percentage)’. This will be done by using the ‘Grievance and Complaints Logging System’ which has been part of the SIRAP website (http://www.sirap.sb/index.ph). Legal Operational Policies Triggered? Projects on International Waterways OP 7.50 No Projects in Disputed Areas OP 7.60 No Summary of Screening of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts . 42. Environmental – Moderate. The potential direct impacts and risks are related to construction works (improvement of airports and roads) which may include: health and safety of workers, wastes generated during construction, inefficient usage of resources and raw materials, impacts on local natural habitats along the corridor’s right of way, areas adjacent to the airports, and construction facilities such as workers accommodation and laydown areas that may need land clearing, and impact on biodiversity at some sections of Noro Roads. Although the road rehabilitation works will be located in a key biodiverity areas, works are minor (e.g., pothole repairs, basecourse correction, drainage improvement and road safety improvement) and limited to the existing right of way. Therefore, potential biodiversity risk at Noro Roads is considered moderate. The nature and magnitude of potential environmental impacts and risks are expected to be temporary, site-specific, predictable, and reversible if relevant mitigation measures are properly conducted. The potential risks on human population and the environment are not likely to be significant. During construciton, road upgrading may potentially amplify road safety-related risks to the community and road users, potential risks for biodiversity due to increased traffic, and open up areas for new mining or illegal logging (indirect impacts). Mitigation measures are readily available and reliable. Potential downstream environmental impacts may arise from technical assistance activities such as designing of the flight service tower, training on improved road safety, and detailed design and supervision of civil works. These technical assistance activities may not result in any direct environmental risks and impacts but can have downstream environmental, health and safety implications such as potential use of hazardous materials on the construction of flight service towers that will be designed during project implementation. 43. MCA and MID have developed experience with implementing World Bank-financed project requirements regarding safeguards policies. The current rating of environmental safeguards compliance for SIRAP is Satisfactory. However, the implementing agencies are yet to prepare and implement a project under the World Bank’s new Environemental and Social Framework (ESF). The following environmental and social risk management instruments will be prepared, disclosed, consulted upon, and finalized by the project prior to appraisal: (1) update Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) to accommodate additional works at Honiara and Munda Airports, ensuring they are aligned with the ESF requirements; (2) site-specific ESMPs for (i) sealing of 17 kilometers of Malaita North Road, and (ii) Jun 20, 2021 Page 15 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) spot upgrading, regravelling, sealing of 18 kilometers of gravel section, and resealing of 2 kilometers of sealed section of Malaita South Road; and (3) site-specific ESMPs for (i) rehabilitation of 4.1 kilometers of gravel roads, and (ii) resealing of 4.6 kilometers of sealed roads in Noro. SIRAP2 will also include the Contingency Emergency Response Component (CERC). A CERC Operations Manual and a CERC Environmental and Social Management Framework were prepared under SIRAP. SIRAP2 will update these instruments, ensuring that they are aligned with the ESF requirements. 44. Social – Substantial. Solomon Islands has complex land holding arrangements and accessing land and addressing compensation for loss of assets is difficult. It will be important to address these issues effectively, with a focus on the road component,29 particularly in Malaita where the land from South Road to the proposed site for Bina Harbor has been disputed with discussions covering several generations. There is also a risk of gender-based violence (GBV) and sexually exploited abuse/sexual harassment (SEA/SH).30 As with the case of SIRAP, extensive broad and meaningful community consultation and stakeholder engagement continue to be a key focus under SIRAP2. The risk will also be addressed through a Resettlement Plan that will identify areas of land impact (including information on land tenure arrangements and existing land disputes) and outline a clear process for land acquisition and dispute resolution. A Stakeholder Engagement Plan will be prepared to keep the local communities and other stakeholders informed about the project as well as to address GBV and SEA/SH related issues. Further, a full-time Environmental and Social Specialist will be placed in Malaita under SIRAP2, and the SIRAP PST, including an International Safeguards Specialist, a National Safeguards Specialist, and a Community Liaison Officer, will provide necessary support to SIRAP2. The National Safeguards Specialist and the Community Liaison Officer have built a good relationship with the community in Malaita, having held several consultations during the life of SIRAP. 45. The risk of COVID transmission under this project is a potential social risk; however a plan to address COVID-19 was developed then by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and the project will ensure that the right measures are in place, especially during consultations and community engagement. While current travel restrictions are in place because of COVID, appropriate measures will be taken to reduce the risk. . CONTACT POINT World Bank Naoki Kakuta, Dung Anh Hoang Transport Specialist Borrower/Client/Recipient Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana Permanent Secretary 29 For the aviation component, the Master Plan for Honiara and Munda International Airports recommends acquiring 15 land parcels (which are immediately adjacent to the airfield boundary) at Honiara to support activities, including the construction of a new control tower proposed under SIRAP2. The Master Plan also recommends constructing a new control tower on an elevated point at Munda, while the location has not been clearly identified. MCA has had ongoing consultations with the local community regarding land use and land acquisition. 30 Under SIRAP, existing GBV and SEA/SH measures have been in place to ensure that the project is able to address GBV issues and direct any incidents through a referral pathway and service providers in the country. Jun 20, 2021 Page 16 of 17 The World Bank Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (P176548) entana@mof.gov.sb Implementing Agencies Ministry of Infrastructure Development Stephen Maesiola Permanent Secretary SMaesiola@mid.gov.sb Ministry of Communication and Aviation Moses Virivolomo Permanent Secretary mvirivolomo@mca.gov.sb FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Naoki Kakuta, Dung Anh Hoang Approved By APPROVALTBL Practice Manager/Manager: Country Director: Paul Vallely 30-Jun-2021 Jun 20, 2021 Page 17 of 17