People in the Milne Bay province travelling to and from Esa’ala Island and back to the mainland don’t need to worry about sea piracy with a recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Esa’ala District Development Authority (EDDA) and the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) of PNG Limited for the provision of rural airstrip services in the district. The MOA was signed in Port Moresby on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, and shall be in force and effect for a period of five (5) years from the commencement date. The MOA was signed by the Acting District Administrator for Esa’ala District, Mr. Sale Nop, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Rural Airstrip Agency of PNG Limited (RAA), Mrs. Kim Opiti and witnessed by the Chairman of the EDDA and Member for Esa’ala, Jimmy Maladina and RAA Legal Officer, Ms. Bernadette Cherake. Mr. Maladina said it is important to partner with the RAA to re-construct and re-open the Salamo and Sehulea airstrips so that the flying doctors and people have access to these vital airline facilities and service. EDDA will provide an initial funding of K135,000.00 for RAA to conduct the airstrip survey, design, and scope of works. Additional funding and support will also be provided by the EDDA for the subsequent airstrip works which includes restoration and maintenance upon invoices by RAA and the presentation of survey reports and scope of works of the airstrips. “We look forward to re-opening this important mode of transport for the people of Esa’ala District because of the remoteness of the islands from the mainland Milne Bay and Alotau town,” Mr. Maladina said. “As the Member for Esa’ala District, I see this as a vital initiative that supports our strategies and vision to boost agriculture, access to health services (faster way to Alotau General Hospital), education and tourism development in the Esa’ala District.” “RAA looks forward to working with Esa’ala District in rehabilitating its prioritized airstrips." “Such partnership and collaborative approaches are important in achieving our shared goals and ensuring our people living in the rural communities have equal opportunities to essential government services and economic opportunities,” the CEO of RAA said.