K3 million for Misima Airport upgrade

The National National
From left: Rural Airstrip Agency chief executive officer Kim Rose Opiti, Milne Bay Governor Gordon Wesley and provincial administrator Igo Gari during in the National Capital District. – Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

By MAX ORAKA
RURAL Airstrip Agency (RAA) says Milne Bay’s Misima Airport will be upgraded at a cost of K3 million following a deal it signed with the provincial government.
RAA chief executive officer Kim Rose Opiti said the money came from the Government.
“This agreement marks a significant step forward in our commitment to improving infrastructure and further developing PNG,” she said
Opiti said this was the first step taken to partner provincial governments and district development authorities (DDAs) for the maintenance of airstrips in the country.
“This was per a memorandum of agreement that was signed in 2013 with the Government to maintain rural airstrips,”she said.
Opiti said with the Government programme for Connect PNG, they have allocated substantial funds for rural airstrips.
“We have started off with Misima Airport and will look forward to covering 10 other airstrips as agreed with the Government.
“The Misima Airport upgrade and maintenance project is crucial step to boost regional connectivity for the province and support communities that rely and need air transportation,” she said.