Vanimo Airport

The entire Vanimo Airport Upgrade Project is valued at K70.1 million funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea with support from the Asian Development Bank .

The success and delivery of the Vanimo Airport Project is another milestone achieved to date under the series of Tranche 3 high-impact-airport infrastructure-projects implemented by NAC through the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).

The eight officers comprising of six males and two females graduated in a small ceremony in Vanimo after completing a two-week Aviation Security Standard Training.

 With the upgraded Vanimo Airport and new terminal building soon to open, these officers will be essential in performing safety and security functions at the airport which include airport security surveillance, and passenger and baggage screening.

The agreement signing by the National Airports Cooperation’s Acting Managing Director, Rex Kiponge, Department of Lands Deputy Secretary, Tiri Wanga and Chief of Defense Force Major General Gilbert Toropo was a significant achievement.

The purpose of the agreement is to solidify and formalize the contract between NAC and PNGDF to develop the Vanimo Airport and the forward operating base for PNGDF.

Major General Toropo said the deal would help the PNGDF to fully implement its services in the area, but more so to develop the forward operating base and the Vanimo airport.

Steven made this comment in Parliament on Tuesday during Question Time.

He gave the example of a local contractor who was engaged to redevelop Vanimo Airport in West Sepik  Province.  

“Our own national contractors even paid or assured of payments when faced with difficulties they pack up and leave,” Stevens said.

“Vanimo is a case where, even in excess of K46 million paid, explanations given that there will be a slight delay in the payments coming but they still packed up and left.

Steven was responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday from West Sepik Governor Amkat Mai.    

The Civil Aviation Minister said Tadji Airport is not under the 22 certified airports overseen by National Airport Corporation (NAC) but will seek clarification and response in writing to the governor.     

Steven said the redevelopment will start when funding is released to NAC.  

He added that over K46 million had already been paid to the contractor before work stalled.