By CHRISTOPHER YANDAWAI
AROPA Airport in Autonomous Region of Bougainville will undergo major facelift at a cost of K58.2 million (K58. 201, 511.08) under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase 2 (CADIP 2).
To execute the project, a contract signing ceremony was held between the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the contractor, China Railway Construction Group Co. Ltd (CRCG Ltd) today at Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby.
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, who officiated at the project signing ceremony, announced that the project is aimed at strengthening the aircraft pavement, new terminal building and associated works at Aropa Airport.
The Minister said this project will be delivered under CADIP Phase 2, a continuation of CADIP Phase One, which ended on the 24th of November 2021.
The NAC, in partnership with the National Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has commenced rolling out the CADIP Phase 2 throughout the country at a value of USD$171.5 million loan (approx. K595.10 million), and Aropa Airport is one of them.
Minister Schnaubelt congratulated CRCG Ltd for being the successful bidder of the project and affirmed that his Ministry is committed and will continue to provide guidance and support in the implementation and delivery of the project, in line with the National Government’s Medium Term Development Plan IV (2023 -2027).
“This significant investment by the Government of Papua New Guinea complements the infrastructure development plans by ABG,” he said.
“It will contribute to the demand and growth of socio-economic activities such as agriculture (cocoa and copra), mineral, business, tourism and opportunities for fisheries.”
The Minister asked the leaders and the people of Bougainville for their support in ensuring the smooth delivery of the project.
He also urged the contractor to work with NAC and the stakeholders involved to ensure the project is delivered on time.”
Minister Schnaubelt acknowledged all stakeholders including the representatives from the National Government, leaders from the Bougainville House of Representatives, development partner ADB, and all other stakeholders for their ongoing support in implementing CADIP 1 & projects.
Acting Managing Director for NAC, Mr Dominic Kaumu said the Aropa Airport Aircraft pavement strengthening, new terminal building, and associated works project under CADIP Phase II is a milestone for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and Papua New Guinea.
“The upgrading of the airport is strategic and will contribute immensely to the development and economic growth of the region,” the Acting MD stressed.
He said the project will include the following works; aircraft pavement repair and strengthening; bituminous chip seal resurfacing; construction of new terminal building and carparking facilities; installation of new Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI); provision of new airport power and water supply, sewerage system, and Electrical systems on the land and airsides and other associated Works.
Mr Kaumu said the benefits of the Aropa Airport project include; 5-10 years 3 coat chip seal lifespan without major maintenance; modern airport terminal building facilities; improve passenger/cargo processing turnaround time; commercial opportunity for tenants and service providers; and employment for locals, especially in airport operations.
He said a piloted solar farm facility will provide power supply to the airport facility, marking Aropa Airport to be the first airport in PNG to receive a solar farm.
The acting MD said the Aropa Airport is one of the five (5) major airports in PNG, identified to be upgraded under CADIP II, with the support of the National Government and the Asian Development Bank.
He said other airports include the Gurney Airport in Milne Bay Province which is in progress, Kiunga Airport which was awarded early last month (September 2024), Hoskins Airport which is undergoing bid evaluation and Wewak Airport, which is anticipated to out for tender this month (October 2024).
Mr Kaumu thanked the National Government, the ADB, the Autonomous Bougainville Government, and other stakeholders for their continuous support.
“I appeal to the leaders and the people of Bougainville to work together with NAC and the contractor to implement and deliver the project.
“Let us all work together to deliver this important project for the people.”
The contract signing today was witnessed by President of Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Ishmael Toroama, ADB Country Director Said Zaidansyah and the representatives of the contractor, CRCG Ltd.
