Tari Airport next in upgrading list: Agus

National

By PETER WARI
TARI Airport in Hela is next in line for upgrading after the upgraded Goroka Airport was opened this week.
The Government, in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, fenced, upgraded and built a new terminal for Goroka.
It will be looking at a similar programme for Tari, said PNG Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive and deputy chairman of the National Airport Corporation board Jerry Agus told a media conference in Port Moresby yesterday.
A contractor is to be announced shortly for the perimeter fencing.
Agus said the construction of the new terminal building, extension of runaway and pavement strengthening were expected to follow.
“It has already been tendered and currently is in the process of assessment and engineers are in close liaison with Asian Development Bank’s Civil Aviation Development investment programme (Cadip), he said. “This is good news for the Hela people. Most of the airport work done in the country was because of the good partnership with Cadip.”
Agus said major work had been done right across the country in terms of new terminal buildings, extensions of runaways, pavement strengthening and other related work.
Hela provincial administrator William Bando said he had been involved in airport work for almost five years. He said bigger things would come if people looked after smaller things.
“The Tari Provincial Hospital, Bank South Pacific and the Tari Airport are three key infrastructures and people must take ownership and look after the assets,” he said.
Flights to Tari will resume on Monday after it was suspended following the February earthquake.