K6m for rural airstrips

 THE Government has set aside K6 million to upgrade and maintain operational rural airstrips in the country.

It is the result of recommendations to the Government by a Consultative Implementation and Monitoring Council forum on civil aviation held in Mt Hagen last year.

Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven said the K6 million would be transferred to the Rural Airstrips Agency made up of the ministry of civil aviation, provincial governments, rural airstrips owners, commercial air service providers and Transparency International.

“The RAA will be solely responsible for disbursing funds to ensure rural airstrips are serviced by third level airlines and maintained at a safe and usable standard,” he said.

Steven said he was happy that the Government was working with agencies to deliver services to the rural majority.

“The executive responsibility of rural airstrips now rests with the ministry of civil aviation to ensure that local airstrips, which are the only link for rural communities to the rest of the country and to many important services, are not neglected again.

“I have taken steps to issue exemptions to all rural operators from fees and charges associated with the National Airports Corporation and relevant bodies in response to the forum outcome,” he said.