PNG records two new COVID-19 deaths – total deaths at 156

The Wapenamanda Airport in Enga Province is now open for operations. The airport's runway was opened today by Civil Aviation Minister and Member for South Fly, Sekie Agisa and Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas. 

This is a great relief for the air traveling public in Enga Province who have been travelling to and from Enga via road and through Kagamuga Airport in Western Highlands Province.

Wapenamanda Airport upgrade is part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) co-financed by the Government of Papua New Guinea’s (GoPNG) and the Asian Development Bank. The objective of CADIP is to achieve the GoPNG’s priorities to revitalise the major airports in the country to meet the International Civil Aviation Organisational (ICAO) Standards and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) PNG’s operational safety and security requirements as well as improving the level of service for both the aircraft operations and the travelling passengers. 

The works that are completed include; strengthening of 1,600m long x 30m wide runway, taxiway, and apron pavements to accommodate Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations by ATR72-600 and Dash 8 aircraft or similar; a temporary terminal facility; new staff residence, new Airport Safety Officer’s office and a new tractor shed. 

The remaining works currently in progress includes; construction of the new passenger terminal building, carpark, and associated terminal facilities. These works are expected to be completed in November 2021.

On behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of NAC, I would like to thank the key stakeholders particularly; the ADB, the National Government, the Enga Provincial Government, local communities in Wapenamanda and the contractor, Lorma -Socor JV for their collective efforts in working together to successfully complete the airport runway works and also a big thank you to the people of Enga Province for your patience during this period. 

NAC further affirms that despite major challenges posed by the effect of COVID – 19 on the progress of the ongoing airport infrastructure development projects in the country, as an organisation we are determined to deliver all remaining airport upgrading works under CADIP by end of this year.

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PNG records two new COVID-19 deaths – total deaths at 156