Kundiawa Airport

The National Letters

I READ with total shock on Friday the news about the relocation of Kundiawa Airport
What sort of place or space are we looking for?
Kup is totally isolated and located in the wilderness.
All I can say is that the people who are spearheading this very important infrastructural project are totally blind and inconsiderate.
Where is the logic?
Why?
There is no good reason whatsoever to put this very important project in Kup because:

  • Kup is narrowed into the mountains adjoining Mt Digine, leaving out 99.99 per cent of Cimbu which is totally out of the equation;
  • Kup is near the border of Jiwaka, which is roughly 10km to 15km away;
  • Totally illogical in terms of other national infrastructure like the Okuk Highway and other important avenues of goods and services;
  • Not forgetting the silent but deadly giant of the Whagi River, which does not have proper bridge or bridges for crossing to Kup;
  • We will need to build a new road and bridges to be able to get to and from the new airport;
  • Kup has a long history of tribal warfare. The location being considered for the new airport is a battlefield landmark; and
  • An airport at Kup will be far from Kundiawa town and worse for people living in Gembolg, Chuave, Elibari, Saltnomane, Karamui, Omkolai and Gumine. How will they get to the airport?

I for one do live within the vicinity of the proposed new airport and will have no trouble boarding a plane anytime. However, as a nationalist I have the heart for my people. I wish to suggest some alternative places for the Government to consider.
These places are more convenient and central for all of Chimbu:

  • Mingendi Catholic Mission;
  • Brianne old CIS Prison Camp
  • Koge Catholic Mission; and
  • Kerowagi old Airport

P. Nugu
Lae