Probe illegal sale of A1 jet fuel: Polye
By JAMES APA GUMUNO
People living near Kagamuga airport in Western Highlands province are turning to jet A1 fuel sold illegally at the local market due to the high price of kerosene.
Civil Aviation Minister Don Polye called for an immediate investigation into the sale of jet A1 to the people living around Kagamuga airport in the Western Highlands province.
Jet A1fuel is being used by the aviation industry.
Mr Polye who is also the Works minister and Kandep Open MP, is appealing to the people not to use the fuel as cooking fuel because it is highly flammable.
Mr Polye said it is a criminal act for the employees at the airport to siphon jet A1 fuel and sell it to the locals.
He said they would face the full force of the law if caught by police and found guilty.
Mr Polye said jet A1 fuel is very expensive and would affect aviation industry base in the province if stealing continues.
He said the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) would not be blamed for any deaths or injuries caused to the villagers, while using the dangerous fuel.
Mr Polye said he would instruct his officers based at the Kagamuga airport to carry out an investigation immediately and that he wants the report within the next few days.
A senior public servant from Yamka tribe and working at the provincial government building, said he bought jet A1 fuel in a 500ml container for K1.
He warned that many of his tribesmen and settlers living near the airport are using the jet A1 fuel for cooking.
An employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, said people handling it without safety gear could get cancer.
He said the illegal selling of aviation fuel is being carried out by some employees of the two companies (named) that operate at the airport.
He has advised the companies concerned to stop it but no action was taken.
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