In response to Kiriwina Goodenough and Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa’s question regarding the hold-up to open the rural airstrip on Kiriwina Island, Transport & Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt asked Mr. Tomuriesa to write a formal letter and address what he has done so far so that he can see where the hold up is and address the issue immediately.
Tomuriesa said that they were able to complete the airstrip through the District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) funds and help from the Provincial Government.
“We have completed the terminal and fenced the whole airstrip.”
“We got a contractor to roll the airstrip and even got Kasa to down on a hire strip there.”
“The delay is still there, and our people are still waiting.”
“Its Christmas now and our people would like to see planes flying into Kiriwina Islands for their benefit.”
Tomuriesa added, they have waited for about a year to open the airstrip, and they have fulfilled all the standards.
He is now urging the relevant ministry to deal with the hold-ups.
Meanwhile Minister Schnaubelt said, “I think if you could formally write to me in relation to what you have done so far and write to me immediately and I will stand with you to see where the blockage is and address it.”