Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program

Nation building infrastructure

Quality

Better planned, built and maintained infrastructure

Inclusive

Inclusive infrastructure connecting everyone and every province

Local

Supporting local jobs and local industry

Workforce Skills Series

Upskilling Solomon Islands workforce

The Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program (SIIP) is Australia’s 10-year AUD276 million/SBD1.65 billion partnership with Solomon Islands to create local economic opportunities through a large pipeline of economic infrastructure projects. Launched in June 2021, SIIP has two goals:

Enhance the capacity of government and the private sector to plan, manage, finance, construct and/or maintain critical infrastructure
Deliver resilient, accessible infrastructure assets across the country that support inclusive economic growth.

SIIP will deliver four outcomes for Solomon Islands:

Greater access to international infrastructure finance
Improved planning & policy settings to support quality and inclusion
Construction of high quality, priority infrastructure
Improved skills and capacity to plan, build and maintain quality infrastructure.
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“SIIP takes a holistic and inclusive approach to improving the quality and access to infrastructure in Solomon Islands.”

Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare

“Inclusive, quality infrastructure means engaging with the communities using it, and supporting government and the private sector to plan, finance, build and maintain quality assets.”

Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahan (former)

Fund

AUD276 million
SBD1.65 billion

Period

10-years to 2031

Funded by

The Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

Our progress

Inclusion

12 site visits
41 community consultations
129 stakeholder consultations

Infrastructure

9 projects scoped
6 projects in design
2 projects under construction

Local jobs

Created 98 subcontractor jobs
Employed 17 local staff

Local Benefits

106,000 people to benefit from upgraded markets

Current projects

Project	Activity	Value
Bina Harbour Project	SIIP is financing a major water and sanitation feasibility study for the proposed tuna processing plant and Bina township, a critical step in progressing the overall Bina Harbour Project. This nation-building activity is being led by the Ministry of Fisheries & Marine Resources with support from New Zealand and the International Finance Corporation.	AUD0.7m
Buala Market Redevelopment	SIIP is redeveloping markets across Solomon Islands to grow local economies. A new market has been identified for Buala, with design underway.	AUD3.3m (for all markets construction)
Buala Wharf Redevelopment	SIIP will construct a new climate resilient domestic shipping wharf, barge landing, shelter and toilet block, and build a large protective sea wall. The project, when connected with the new Buala Market, will connect Isabel to Honiara and other provinces, and help transform Isabel’s economy.	AUD11.8m
Gizo Water Supply Project	Provide funding to Solomon Water to help deliver a new, safe, clean, reliable, and sustainable supply of water for Gizo town. The delivery of clean and reliable water will provide significant health and economic benefits for the community and tourism sectors.	SIIP contribution of AUD10m
Honiara Central Market Extension	In partnership with Honiara City Council, SIIP is funding the design and construction of an extension to the western end of the Central Honiara Market, providing all-weather protection for sellers. The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.	SIIP contribution AUD1m.
Malu'u Market Redevelopment	SIIP is redeveloping markets across Solomon Islands to grow local economies. A new market has been identified for Malu’u, with design underway.	AUD3.3m (for all markets construction)
Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre	SIIP is delivering the flagship Australia-Ministry of Health and Medical Services Naha Birthing and Urban Health Centre. The redesigned 34-bed facility will improve health outcomes for one of the Pacific’s fastest growing population centres. The SBD150m project includes construction, and commitments to support staff training and ongoing maintenance.	AUD27m
Noro Port Redevelopment	SIIP is supporting Solomon Ports to upgrade Noro Port wharves and facilities. The project will create opportunities for local businesses and increase capacity for fisheries exports. SIIP will undertake the feasibility and design studies needed to secure funding of overall project delivery.	AUD1.5m
Seghe Airport Upgrade	SIIP is co-funding upgrades to Seghe airport with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and New Zealand. Preparatory works are underway with runway extension and sealing works to commence after the completion of Taro airfield. Due to complete in April 2024.	AUD23.15m (Seghe and Taro)
Seghe Market Redevelopment	SIIP is redeveloping markets across Solomon Islands to grow local economies. A new market has been identified for Seghe, with design underway.	AUD3.3m (for all markets construction)
Taro Airport Upgrade	SIIP is co-funding upgrades to Taro airport with the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and New Zealand. Works are underway with construction to be completed in August 2023.	AUD23.15m (Seghe and Taro)
Industry Capacity Development	SIIP runs regular Workforce Skills Series workshops to increase the skills and knowledge of building, engineering and supply contractors.

What we do

SIIP focuses on infrastructure that drives growth and the economy. Our activities and strategic direction are set by a high level bilateral SIIP Steering Committee and guided by a long term Roadmap 2030. The Steering Committee is co-chaired by the Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Australian High Commissioner. Membership also includes the Permanent Secretaries of the Ministries of National Planning and Development Coordination, Finance and Treasury, and Infrastructure Development. Australia's Deputy High Commissioner is also a member. The Steering Committee reviews program progress and performance, and ensures program funding is committed and spent in effective and efficient ways.

Construction of high quality, priority infrastructure

Greater access to international infrastructure finance

Increased capability of government and industry

Improved planning and policy settings to support inclusive, quality infrastructure

Our guiding principles

Five guiding principles drive SIIP decision-making

Alignment

with Solomon Islands’ and Australian development objectives.

Inclusive

gender, disability and geographical spread (rural/provincial).

Safety and quality

strengthening policies and practices.

Strengthening climate change and disaster resilience

integrated into infrastructure planning, design and delivery.

Local content

infrastructure that supports the local economy, strengthens local industry, improves industry practices, and enhances workforce capacity and participation.

Local content: Growing jobs and opportunities

Growing local jobs and opportunities is one of SIIP’s five key principles. The Steering Committee has also determined that every SIIP-supported investment must be planned, designed, procured and constructed to optimize local content outcomes.

Prioritising and designing infrastructure developments around local content means more jobs and more economic opportunities to support the nation’s recovery from COVID-19. SIIP will help create jobs both in the construction sector and within the communities we work with. Each SIIP activity will prioritise industry skills, training opportunities and the use of local materials. SIIP will balance these local content principles with delivering quality, resilient infrastructure.

Work with us

Capacity Development Specialist

Shor-term adviser role with remote and in-country inputs

The Capacity Development Specialist will work closely with the MEL & Capacity Development Manager, Capacity Development & Training Coordinator and Policy & Technical Adviser Lead to deliver the objectives, outcomes and functions as set out in the SIIP Capacity Development Strategy. This position will also work cooperatively with the sectoral and delivery teams to provide technical guidance on the delivery of capacity development activities in SIIP projects. It is intended that the benefits from SIIP and its activities flow to Solomon Islands individuals, institutions and the infrastructure sector as a whole. In addition, SIIP will provide access to resources for a range of infrastructure stakeholders through establishing a knowledge base and centre of expertise, which will remain in Solomon Islands following the end of the program.

Access the online application and terms of reference from DT Global's website. Enquires can be emailed to recruitment@siip.com.sb quoting Capacity Development Specialist in the subject line. Applications close Applications close 26 June 2023, 17h00 AEST.

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