4000 wait with hope as airstrip opening nears

MORE than 4000 villagers in the Nabak local level government of Nawaeb district are expected to benefit from the reopening of the Baindowang airstrip which has been closed for nine years.
Morobe provincial airstrip inspector Paul Kindaro approved its re-opening.
The Nawaeb District Development Authority led by MP Kennedy Wenge allocated funds to have four airstrips in the district reopened.
Nawaeb district executive officer Muhuyupe Soranzi said four airstrips were being upgraded and undergoing maintenance work.
The Baindowang airstrip will be opened soon.
The ones at Samanzing, Kasanombe and Lowai will follow. “We are working on the runway to cater for small aircraft who can land on a 400-metre runway. The district has worked closely with the airstrip inspector and the provincial government to get the airstrips operational. All the equipment and tools were provided by DDA,” said Soranzi.
Nabak Local Level Government Ward Three councilor Jack Kino said villagers in Upper Nabak were looking forward to the re-opening of the airstrip.
The 14 villages in the area were affected when the airstrip was closed in December 2009 after a small aircraft carrying 10 passengers crashed, killing everyone onboard, including the pilot,” Kino said.