Sentimental moment for PM

By MALUM NALU
OPENING the Goroka Airport yesterday was special to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, being someone who was raised and educated there.
His father Brian O’Neill moved to Papua New Guinea in 1949 as an Australian government field officer (kiap in Tok Pisin), later serving as a magistrate in Goroka until his passing away in 1982.
O’Neill attended the Goroka Secondary School.
“It (airport opening) means a great deal (to me),” O’Neill told The National.
“I used to see the old terminal here before. I remember how crowded it was and how small the infrastructure was, compared to what is now,
the most modern airport in the country.
“Credit must go to NAC (National Airports Corporation), the contractors, Asian Development Bank for a job well done. We’re getting our value for money – about K110 million for the entire project.
“The new tower, the new runway, the fencing and the new terminal are world-class.”
O’Neill said the airport had a long and fascinating history.
The airstrip was laid out by American engineer Colonel L J Svedrup during World War 2.
“It’s a historical day for our people who live in Goroka,” O’Neill said.
“Goroka was the launching pad for the pioneering work in the Highlands, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. This was one of the earliest airports in the country.
“A new terminal and extension of the runway is a huge boost to the economy. It provides for the people in the region.
“I’m very proud to be with them joining in the celebrations.”