Tari airport in Hela will be upgraded following an MoU signing between National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Hela Provincial Government.
NAC Managing Director Richard Yopo, Hela Governor Philip Undialu and Hela Provincial Administrator, William Bando, inked the deal infront of stakeholders in Port Moresby.
Hela Governor Philip Undialu said the upgrade include sealing for the runway and fencing.
K55 million has been earmarked for the airport face-lift.
The upgrade falls under the Government’s plans to improve airports around the country. Work is expected to begin in March 2018 with tendering process expected to be out next week under the standards of the Asian Development Bank bidding criteria.
Currently, two construction companies occupy certain areas at the edge of the airport. NAC has spoken to the companies to vacate the area before construction work begins.
The Hela Provincial Administrator believes Tari airport has been neglected for too long, and the upgrade will have an impact on the local economy of the province.
The funding is under the Asian Development CADIP Program.
Other airports currently being upgraded include Goroka, Popondetta, Manus and Kavieng.
