Now that the National Airports Corporation (NAC) has fallen under the leadership of Acting Managing Director, Joseph Kintau, Minister for Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt said that the NAC is looking to address the financial woes they face.
Minister Schnaubelt stated that following the dismissal of Mr. Kiponge from the NAC it was discovered that the NAC was left with only K200, 000 in their accounts.
“When we removed Mr. Kiponge and appointed Mr. Kintau, it was discovered that the financial status of the NAC had only K200, 000 in the accounts.”
Schanubelt added the change of guard in the NAC that has occurred is not only clinical but also advantageous for the organization.
“Unfortunately due the financial disadvantage of the organization we have not been able to continue with the proposed rehabilitation work on airports around the country.”
However, he mentioned that later this week, the NAC will make an official announcement on the acquisition of some monies that will go towards the undertaking of their proposed plans.
“Since Mr. Kintau has been appointed, we’re working very closely to try to improve the financial capacity of the NAC.”
The Minister further said that this will now build the financial capacity of the NAC and they will look to prioritize the Buka, Tokua, Wewak and other Airports that need attention.
This was background that the Minister gave before answering the question posed by the Ijivitari MP, David Arore, on his concerns of the current deteriorating status of the Buka Airport.
Meanwhile, Arore prior to his question, apologized to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville Government contingent in the public gallery for his outburst whilst attending an official visit to the region.