Air services stepped up in Morobe

MOROBE remains a difficult province despite having airline services like North Coast Aviation, Governor Luther Wenge says.
“Mission Aviation Fellowship and other small aviation services come from time to time to serve the rural people but it is just not enough,” he added.
Speaking at a press conference on the launch of the Rural Air-Link Services that will be launched tomorrow (Wednesday) in Nadzab, Wenge said the Morobe Government had invested K2.5 million for the two twin Otter aircraft because of its short landing and take-off runway.
He said the provincial executive committee (PEC) had signed an agreement with the Niugini Aviation to bring in the airline services for the rural people.
“The existing airstrips in the nine districts that are operating will be used. Those that are not operating or abandoned will provide help to re-open the airstrips,” he said.
“Those that does not have airstrips we will help them construct it.
“We will also subsidies freight and passenger fares.
“We got big mining coming up with Wafi to come into operations and the Morobe people will supply garden produce.
“So we are providing the air service that will provide access to the people to bring in food to feed the mine staff.”
“We have had talks with Harmony and Newcrest and they have offered to allow the construction of the small airstrip along side of the mine.”
Wenge said the PEC had also approved the buying of a helicopter next year for the province.