Girua airport to undergo major upgrade

 By SHIRLYN BELDEN

GIRUA airport in Northern will soon undergo a major facelift to the tarmac and facilities, Civil Aviation Minister Davies Steven told Parliament last Friday. 

He said Girua airport was among major airports earmarked under an K80 million financing package for redevelopment and maintenance work. 

He said this after Sohe MP Delilah Gore raised concerns about landowners threatening to close down the airport over compensation claims. 

Stevens said the issue of land compensation was being handled by the National Airports Corporation and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

He urged the Northern provincial administration to get involved in the matter. 

“Girua is one of the airports earmarked to receive financing in terms of payment upgrade and other important works that need to occur,” Stevens said.

“It is a matter that should not be dealt in isolation. I have had a brief meeting with the Governor of the province and identified the needs and cause of the issue. 

“For the first time since Independence, the government is making available K80 million for airport upgrade.

“A responsible approach to resolving the issue must proceed.

“So what is at stake is the K80 million as capital investment for the infrastructure.” 

Stevens also said Vanimo airport would soon get a K40 million upgrade that would enable it to cater for more flights and for tourism purposes.