Sarah Shelley

Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shelley told Loop PNG this morning that businesses have already been affected by the closure of the Highway.

She said the Government’s neglect of the Highlands Highway is now taking its toll during this year’s wet season.

“The closure of the Highway will affect everyone - from fuel delivery and services.

“Primary produces will have delays in the number of their bulk fresh produce to markets in Morobe and manufactures will also see a delay in delivery of goods.”

Chief Executive Officer Sarah Shelley when outlining the major improvement plans told Loop PNG via email that the chamber will ensure a collective stance of the wider businesses community is effectively communicated in the correct forum.

“A key goal of the GCCI for 2017 is to provide representation to key boards such as the Goroka Urban Authority, Provincial Suppliers and Tenders Board and the Goroka Building Board to ensure the collective stance of the wider businesses community is effectively communicated in the correct forum.”  

President Sarah Shelley in a statement said a temporary runway was built under National Airport Corporation specifications but did not understand why the planes have stopped and will be stopping the services to Goroka.

“Yesterday (Sunday) it was reported that PNG Air had cancelled their services to Goroka because of the state of the temporary runway. 

“Today (Monday) it is reported that Air Niugini will be stopping their flights into Goroka over the weekend for the same reason.