Solomon Islands Embarks on Climate-Resilient Road Asset Management with FinnOC Ltd
The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), under the World Bank-financed Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP 2), has officially issued a Notice to Commence Services for the Climate Resilient Road Asset Management Improvement System.
This marks the formal start of the consultancy services aimed at (i) strengthening the mechanisms that data is collected for transport assets, (ii) developing an improved asset database, and (iii) introducing systems for analyzing the available data as the basis for (multi)annual planning.
Finnish Overseas Consultants (FinnOC) Ltd has been awarded the consultancy contract, which became effective on 6 February 2026. Their contract and activities are scheduled for completion within 24 months timeframe.
FinnOC Ltd (headquartered in Finland) will deliver specialized technical and advisory services to improve road asset management systems. These improvements will help ensure that road infrastructure is more effectively planned, maintained, and adapted to withstand climate-related risks such as flooding, erosion, and extreme weather events.
Permanent Secretary of MID, Allan Lilia, stated, “This service will strengthen how we manage and maintain our road assets, ensuring they remain safe, reliable, and resilient in the face of climate change.
“The final document of this service will help our civil team to balance costs, risks, and maintenance phases to help prolong the lifespan of pavements, bridges, drainage, and other road furniture so it remains safe for road users.”
Mr Lilia said the ministry, through the transport infrastructure management divisions’ asset unit, looks forward to working closely with the consultant group and key stakeholders to achieve the desired objectives and its implementation for future infrastructure undertakings.
Beyond this technical assistance activity, SIRAP 2 continues to deliver several road and aviation investments across the country. 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 key airports, rehabilitation of 21 kilometres of the East Road between Baratolo and Atori and sealing of 12 kilometres of the North/West Kwara’ae road from Gwaunaru’u Junction to Kwaisuliniu.
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Concrete Curb and Channel: one of the recently completed roads that features concrete and curbs serve as high-capacity channels. These direct torrential rainwaters away from the road surface and the sensitive subgrade, preventing the soil underneath from washing away (erosion).
A section of Noro Town Road which was recently opened for public use. This road is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and durable.
The Su’u Bridge along West Kwaio road in Malaita Province designed to withstand the increasing environmental pressures of a tropical climate.