Deals signed for work on three airports

CIVIL Aviation Minister Alfred Manase says the Government aims to improve connectivity, agriculture and tourism by fixing airports.
He said on Friday during the signing of four contracts by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and contractors worth K78.9 million for the fencing of Kerema, Kiunga and Tari airports and the upgrade of Tari Airport.
This is part of a 10-year Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government since 2009, to upgrade and maintain airports in the country.
“PNG is a flying country and our national airports, rural regional airports and airstrips are an essential need for PNG,” Manase said.
NAC board chairman Reuban Aila said contacts for security fencing and associated works were awarded to local firms Jephtha Construction Ltd for the Kerema Airport (K7.8 million), Samsung Engineering and Construction Ltd for the Kiunga Airport (K8.1 million) and local firm Hela Opene Investments Ltd for the Tari Airport (K7.2 million).
“The Tari Airport upgrade project has been awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Gansu Mechanised Construction Engineering Joint Venture of China at a cost of K55.8 million,” Aila said.
Manase wants the contractors to complete their work on time and on budget.
He was pleased that local contractors were given the jobs.
The contract signing ceremony was witnessed by Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta, and Hela Governor Philip Undialu.