K50m Boram airport upgrade

The well-overdue upgrade of the Boram airport, in East Sepik Province, will commence in March.

The K50,900,000 project was launched today in Wewak with the ground breaking ceremony by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, Civil Aviation Minister Alfred Manase, and East Sepik MPs, Governor Allan Bird,  Wewak MP Kevin Isifu and Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru.

The provincial head, despite being in the Opposition, was among dignitaries who welcomed the Prime Minister.

The Boram airport, which is currently 1,600 metres, will be extended by 120 metres.

Civil Aviation Minister Manase said plans are in place in the Aviation Development Investment Program (CAPID) 2 project, to extend it by a further 300 metres to make Boram airport runway 2,200 metres long.

Meanwhile, the Wewak School of Nursing at the Divine Word University's education faculty, St Benedict’s campus at Kaindi, was also officially opened today by the Prime Minister.

The student resource centre and simulation centre was opened following the ground breaking in September last year.

Just after four months, 60 pioneer students are now enrolled at the school, with plans to double the enrolment.

K15 million was given for the campus to be established. Only K6 million has been used with K9 million remaining to build the student dormitories and teachers’ houses.

The nursing school will help address East Sepik Province's shortage of 500 nurses.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton