Enga continues to subsidise airfares

 ENGA Governor Sir Peter Ipatas says the provincial government’s airfare subsidies to Air Niugini and its subsidiary Link PNG will continue for the benefit of the people.

He handed a cheque for K700,000 to cover last year’s outstanding K1 million subsidy to the acting chief executive officer of Link PNG Marco McConnell and general manager of Air Niugini customs and markets Dominic Kaumu yesterday to honour his commitment.

“This is part of our annual commitment to Air Niugini where Enga provincial government helps to subsidise airfares,” he said.

“Last year we were unable to meet our full commitment to Air Niugini because of the problems we had with cash flow.

“This year’s subsidy will be paid when the Government releases the funds.”

The subsidy arrangement began 14 years ago with K250,000 annually when Enga had only one flight a week. 

There are now seven flights a week thus the increase in airfare subsidy to K1 million annually. 

“It has taken us a long time to build up the capacity but the Enga provincial government has stayed focused and committed,” Ipatas said.

“For the past two years, we were committed to pay our annual subsidy of K1 million.” 

Kaumu said the subsidy paid by the Enga provincial government made up for the difference as the fares to Wapenamanda were slightly higher than to Mt Hagen.

Sir Peter said there were other developments in Enga. 

The provincial government has bought a 25-seater bus providing a free shuttle between the airport and town. 

A new hospital will also be built this year.

Sir Peter said Enga hosting some of the colleges in the province, it was better we continue to subsidise the airfares so that students will have fair travel costs.