Investment plan a success: Steven

National

Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven says the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (Cadip) has achieved much for the country since it started.
He said this after the Asian Development Bank signed an agreement with the National Airports Corporation for work to begin on the US$275 million (K870.9m) Tranche 3 of the Cadip.
Steven said Cadip Tranche 3 was the final segment of financing provided by the ADB to the PNG Government through the multi-tranche financing facility (MFF) agreement signed in 2010.
He said NAC successfully completed Tranche 1 in 2015, with notable achievements being the new and improved Kagamuga terminal building in Western Highlands, Hoskins Airport development in West New Britain to allow for jet aircraft operations and a larger capacity terminal building, Port Moresby domestic apron extension as well as security fencing at various airports to ensure that security standards at airports met regulatory requirements.
“Tranche 2 is currently underway with major airport redevelopment works at Chimbu, Vanimo, Girua and Goroka airports, which we hope to complete by end of this year,” Steven said.
Steven said this included provision of new navigation systems for PNG Air Services Ltd and new fire trucks at major regional airports to ensure highest safety standards were adhered to.
“We are also looking at developing the Tari and Wapenamanda airports later this year – which will mean that CADIP has covered all the major airports in the Highlands region.
“During this next and final tranche of Cadip totaling US$275 million – US$248 million from the ADB facility and US$27 million in counterpart funding – there will be major civil works to improve the runways, taxiways and aprons to accommodate for unrestricted Fokker 100 jet aircraft operations at Momote, Vanimo, Gurney and Buka.
“Tranche 3 project scope will also include the development of a new control tower and fire station at Mount Hagen Airport, as well as the construction of brand new terminal buildings at Momote, Wewak, Madang, Vanimo and Mendi airports.
“I am also pleased to announce that under this new Tranche 3 project agreement, funding will also be made available for capacity building and training for the staff of NAC, PNG Air Services Ltd, CASA PNG as well as the PNG Accidents Investigations Commission.
“This arrangement complements our commitment to developing the most critical infrastructure of all the State aviation agencies – our people.