NAC unhappy with vandalism of equipment

By GYNNIE KERO
The National Airports Corporation (NAC) is disappointed that vital airport equipment were vandalised or stolen at its airports in East Sepik and Madang.
Managing director and chief executive officer Rex Kiponge said the NAC would not procure any new equipment for the Madang airport, until the provincial administration had proof that the suspects had been arrested and charged.
He said the suspects cut through the fence at night and took equipment associated with landing aids (Precision Approach Path Indicator [Papi] lights).
The items included two solar panels and two solar batteries which power the temporary Papi lights of the airport.
The equipment was commissioned last November before the resumption of jet flights into Madang.
“This criminal act (is a) setback to the safety, comfort and movement of the air travelling public,” Kiponge said.
“(The NAC) wants to see the criminals arrested and charged and the very expensive equipment returned safely.
“These are expensive equipment sourced from overseas.”
The theft of the solar batteries and panels at Madang airport occurred a month after the Papi lights at Wewak’s Boram Airport in East Sepik were vandalised.
“NAC is appealing to the Madang provincial administration and people living near the airport to assist the police investigating the theft and have those involved brought to justice,” he said.
“Air transport service is critical to economic development and if Madang residents and the provincial administration do nothing to support the work NAC is doing, then I don’t see any urgency to solve the problem created by users of such services.”
An airline company plans to downgrade its flight to Madang until the Papi lights are installed.
Madang businessman Sir Peter Barter said such criminal activities by a few people would affect the economy.
“Such action will further cause economic and social problems in Madang,” he said.