Quick Action Seals Runway Damage At Munda Airport

Government Communications Unit
Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
P O Box G1 Honiara, Solomon Islands

Press Release 28/10/08GH

Quick Action Seals Runway Damage At Munda

Technical staff of the Ministry of Aviation has taken swift action on Wednesday 22, to conceal a big hole at the centerline runway of Munda airport.

The hole believed to be created by a recent earthquake in the area was located 800m from the 25 threshold and 400m from threshold of runway 07.

A report from the team noted that the entire foundation of the airstrip is believed to be deteriorating rapidly as the foundation of tree trunks have not been able to withstand the pressure and creating vacuum.

The team, with help from a local contractor carried out thorough assessment and subsequently filled the hole with stones from the pit to a height of 50 centimeters.

The team further compact the hole with sand and gravel before sealing with cement of 3 inches from the surface.

The report said the action is a temporary measure to allow operations while government is considering speeding up the upgrading of Munda airport.

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