Work on Kabwum’s Teng airstrip disrupted again: Officials

CONSTRUCTION work to build the Teng airstrip in remote Kabwum electorate has again been halted due to technical difficulties, officials say.
Locals said this project was first initiated in 1973, but was never completed due to lack of Government financial support.
Last November, with the help of Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, who is from the area, the project started again with the engagement of a group of 15 sappers from PNG Defence Force Engineering Battalion from Igam, Morobe.
A representative from the GG’s office told The National that unfortunately, the chopper earmarked to airlift the explosives into Dawot went in for service. “The sappers will return when the chopper returns from service and we hope things work out for the benefit of Dawot,” the representative said.
Reconnaissance officer, Bravo Company, Lt Russel Wani said his team deployed in late November cleared the proposed strip with the help of locals.
Wani said the last hurdle was blasting the rocks on the strip to clear the land to allow for the airstrip building to start, in close consultation with the Rural Airstrip Agency.
“I’m expecting a meeting with the GG’s office anytime soon but for now, we’re preparing reports to be submitted while awaiting further discussions on the project scoping for airstrip, roads and bridges,” he said.
“From experience of being on the ground, I see that an airstrip is a priority as the first connection to the outside world and then this would make it easier for other services to come in, while awaiting a road construction.”