New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan has welcomed the signing of the contract for the upgrade of the Kavieng Airport.
Sir Julius noted that this project, which was signed between the National Airports Corporation and the China Railway Construction Engineering Group, was to upgrade the Kavieng Airport to an International Airport.
“We will begin to receive direct flights from around the region and, indeed, around the world. This will open up New Ireland to a level of tourism and commercial relationships unheard of before,” he said.
Sir Julius conveyed that his government is ready to sit with the contractor and NAC to ensure New Ireland’s unique flavor is captured in the design of the terminal building and other associated aspects of the airport.
“New Ireland wants to participate in the designing of the Kavieng Airport terminal,” stated the Governor.
“We already have a graphic and detailed design of our symbolic paradise drongo, the New Ireland provincial bird.
“We want to ensure that our new airport captures the beauty and culture of New Ireland, and that, in terms of facilities and amenities, it is truly world class. We want the contractor and the National Government to think in terms of uniqueness and quality.”
Sir Julius noted that the new airport has been a long time coming.
“This has been a very extended and difficult process for us,” he said. “We were promised a new International Airport under the terms of the original Lehar MoA, signed twenty-five years ago in 1995. We have been asking the National Government to honour its pledge, to keep its word, for twenty-five years.
“We are very pleased this is finally coming to fruition, but I have to say that it is long overdue. I certainly hope the National Government will now proceed full speed ahead. We do not need any further delays.”
Sir Julius also said the Provincial Government has worked closely with the landowners near the airport to prepare for the expansion.
“We have paid out over K6 million to the landowners in the last year alone as the final payment in the land compensation agreements, to ensure we have enough room for the expansion,” Sir Julius said. “We want to be certain the tarmac is long enough to take long distance, international aircraft such as the 767. We will be working very closely with both the contractor and the National Government to make sure that happens.”
Sir J concluded by saying: “Similarly, we continue to anticipate connection by the government on our international seaport where K15 million was funded in 1997 but hijacked for other projects. This is also an ‘agreed’ project under the Lehar MOA.
“New Ireland contributed substantially to the national purse and it is intrinsically important the Government honours its promises under all MOAs on all extractive industries.”