Ministry aware of grievances

CIVIL Aviation Minister Seki Agisa has confirmed that his ministry is in talks with respective ministers and the office of the Prime Minister James Marape to address the Monday sit-in protest of landowners in Kavieng, New Ireland.
In a statement, Agisa assured the landowners of the Kavieng Airport and the people of New Ireland that his ministry was aware of the grievances raised and appropriate consultation and steps were taken to address them.
“In respect of the Kavieng Airport, I am aware and confirm the Government’s commitment of K3 million to the landowners during the Kavieng Airport upgrade ground breaking ceremony in July 2020,” he said.
“This is a commitment by the national government which will be honoured.
“However, for any compensation claims on State land including all aerodromes in PNG, it is a requirement that the National Airport Corporation (NAC) be furnished with verification of the total amounts claimed from the relevant State agencies including the Department of Lands, Treasury and Finance.”
He said to date, this vital information had yet to be received and could impact on current claims.
“I am also aware that previously the national government, through the New Ireland government had paid K6 million for the acquisition of additional customary land for the runway extension of Kavieng Airport in September 2019.
“This was for additional customary land outside of the existing airport runway.”
Agisa said all airports and airport infrastructure in the country were situated on declared aerodrome land and remained State assets which were vital to the country.
“Landowners must be responsible in airing their grievances without interfering with such a vital public service and we must act and think collectively,” he said.