Girua Airport

Girua airport LOs demand compo

The landowners are demanding the National Government to pay K15 million in outstanding land compensation or they will shut the airport permanently.

Spokesperson Barthimias Kaipa said for so long, their land compensation requests have been falling on deaf ears since 2006, when they lodged their claim.

He said their claims had been processed by government agencies and were paid to illegitimate landowners.

They have presented their petition to Girua Airport manager Eki Wally on behalf of Minister for Civil Aviation Alfred Manasseh last Friday.

Infrastructure development vital for future

This was remarked Prime Minister Peter O'Neil during the official opening of the improved Girua Airport.

O'Neil said this morning's occasion is a testament to the government's vision to modernize all institutional asserts nationwide.

O'Neil further stated the Girua Airport is one of successful results of the external loans acquired by the government.

The K43 million rehabilitated Girua Airport boasts new pavements, runway, water and sewage systems and upgraded interior of the terminal.

A long time coming

Governor Juffa said the opening ceremony is long time coming.

While he remains an opposition strong man, he is adamant to work with the government to facilitate development in the province.

He appealed to the National Airport Corporation to align its support with the Oro Provincial Government.

This he says is to ensure further development such as Popondetta’s improvement will complement the modernized Girua Airport.

Trekkers attempt to complete Kapa Kapa War Trail

The 220km journey will commence at Gabagaba Village in Central Province today (October 4).

The Kapa Kapa War Trail starts at Gabagaba across the extremely rugged Owen Stanley Range, to the vicinity of Jaure on the north side of the Peninsula in Northern Province.

The track was used by American soldiers during WWII in 1942 under the command of General Douglas MacArthur. This was during a battle to defeat the Japanese on the northern beaches.

The mountainous trail is steep and runs parallel to the more well-known and more accessible 96-kilometre long Kokoda Track.