By SEPKOLIN WALNE
MADANG Governor Ramsey Pariwa has called on the national government to complete the unfinished Madang Airport, raising the issue during Parliament yesterday.
Mr Pariwa said his concern was prompted by Prime Minister James Marape’s recent visit to East Sepik Province, where he launched the upgrade of Barom Airport.
While acknowledging the government for constructing a four-lane road leading to the airport in Madang, Mr Pariwa said the development would make little sense if the airport terminal remained in poor condition.
“It would not make sense to drive on a four-lane road into a run-down terminal,” he said.
Mr Pariwa stressed that Madang Airport is a major airport and should be upgraded to meet proper standards.
“Madang Airport is not like Tari, Vanimo or Kavieng airports. It is a big airport that needs to be upgraded,” he said.
He then asked whether the national government could restart construction and complete the airport project.
In response, Prime Minister James Marape said he had already advised the relevant authorities, including the National Government and the National Airports Corporation, to establish the scope of work for the project.
“I want to apologise to the people of Madang for what appears to be a delay. The delay occurred after the contractor abandoned the project,” Mr Marape said.