THE Lufa District Development Authority (LDDA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) today (Friday 16th August) in Port Moresby.
The MoU enables six existing airstrips in the district to undergo full rehabilitation and upgrade from its current state.
Local MP Hon Simo Kilepa said his aim is to see connectivity flourish throughout his electorate by rehabilitating existing rural airstrips in the district.
“Lufa, a remote district in Eastern Highlands Province has never been connected by roads since Independence, due to the geographical setting, and tropical mountainous landscapes,” MP Kilepa said.
Kilepa also thanked the Marape-Rosso Government for the inclusion of Lufa District into the Connect PNG flagship Program, through the Lufa – Karamui road that is in process to be constructed.
“Lufa-Karamui road connectivity will bring much-needed hope to my local people and so we await this glorious moment,” he said.
He assured RAA that his DDA will work together in completing all rehabilitation exercises on the airstrips.
LLG President for Unavi, Peter Sarau said that Air transport was their only means of transportation.
He said the six airstrips have played a significant role in the lives of local people in Lufa.
However, since the facilities were run down, Mr Sarau noted that it affected access to health, education, market, and economic activities.
“Mothers lost their lives while taking long hours of walking to seek medical assistance, while local coffee growers had no accessibility to markets in Goroka Town,” he said.
Sarau commended Kilepa for taking proactive approach towards addressing key issues in the electorate.
Lufa DDA chief executive officer, Demo Imara also stated that LDDA is working in collaboration with the Government to achieve the vision for connectivity throughout the country.
After the signing, the district presented a K518,000 to RAA, signifying first step of this development exercise in the electorate.
The DDA CEO and the MP assured RAA that counter funding will be allocated with full support to boost rehabilitation process so that the people of Lufa have access to flight routines, while awaiting the Connect PNG Program’ Lufa-Karamui road construction.
