New K28 million airport terminal for Vanimo open

The National National
National Airports Corporation managing director and chief executive officer Rex Kiponge (left), chairman Rowland Abaijah and China Railway Civil Engineering Group Co Ltd project manager Sam Jia during the opening of the Vanimo airport terminal yesterday. – Nationalpic by PETER ESILA

By PETER ESILA
VANIMO’S reputation as the gateway town was boosted with the opening of the West Sepik capital’s new airport terminal yesterday.
The facility which comes under the National Airports Corporation (NAC) was built at a cost of K28.8 million and according to chairman Rowland Abaijah was part of the Vanimo Airport upgrade project valued K70.1 million jointly funded by the national government and the Asian Development Bank.
He said airports played a vital role in facilitating economic growth in regions and West Sepik’s position as a border province had provided opportunities for trade, economic, social and cultural exchange.
“You have beautiful beaches and surfing spots here in West Sepik, you have trade activities happening at the border at Batas, you have vanilla farmers coming in from East Sepik via road to sell their vanilla to Indonesian buyers,” he said.
“This new modern airport that we have delivered here in Vanimo now supports you in taking those opportunities further.
“NAC is mindful of the economic developments taking place here in West Sepik and elsewhere around our beautiful country.
“Our strategic plans are aligned with the Government’s plans to ensure that airport infrastructure and services are contributing to the economic and social development of our provinces and the national economy.”
Abaijah acknowledged the support of the Sandaun government in supporting the operations of the airport.
He said because Vanimo Airport was not a busy hub NAC had to support its operations with funds from its other busier ports in the country.
But, he said this was expected to change with the revamped facility and services.
NAC managing director and chief executive officer Rex Kiponge said airport upgrade project was part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme 1, trench 3 project.