Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project

Impact landowners of the Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project have repeatedly been calling on the government and the operator, National Airports Corporation, to involve them in the consultation process as well as compensate them for the use of their land.  

On Sunday, the 01st of October, Orognaron Clan of Wampar LLG, in Huon Gulf district, staged a peaceful protest in front of the new terminal with placards saying “Pay us before opening”.

The last two percent involve the transition phase, said National Airports Corporation Limited project director, Tom Nou, while representing the Acting MD and CEO, Joseph Tupiri, during the signing of the training MoU with Lae’s National Polytechnic Institute.

“There is still work going on in the terminal building,” Nou said.

“Our contractual target completion is end of April. At the moment we are still proceeding with the final phase of the project.”

Prime Minister James Marape outlined the Government’s vision during the Nadzab redevelopment project groundbreaking.

Just like Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport and Girua Airport in Northern Province, the government aims to upgrade every airport in the country.

Speaking at the Nadzab redevelopment groundbreaking, PM Marape says this is to ensure they complement the wealth and economic growth envisaged for this country.

Thursday’s groundbreaking in Morobe Province was an opportunity for them to voice their concerns to the Prime Minister and his delegation.

Jobbie Ferea is the chairman of the nine clans of Gabsongkec Village in Wampar LLG, where the Nadzab Airport is.

He said though the airport services the country’s second largest city, dubbed as PNG’s industrial hub, they have no hospitals, no proper running water, they need electricity and quality infrastructure.