Image: The improved airport will boost connectivity between West New Britain and the rest of PNG. Photo: courtesy of Asian Development Bank.
By Rositta Liosi – EMTV Online
The upgrade of Hoskins Airport in West New Britain Province was made possible by funding from the government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank.
The improvements to Hoskins Airport included a 1,900 metre runway extension; strengthened pavements; and installation of a perimeter security fence.
Additional upgrades comprise: a modernised terminal building with an eco-friendly sewerage system; and new solar-powered street lights around the terminal to boost energy efficiency.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, speaking at the opening said the infrastracture developments create better opportunities for Papua New Guineans which in turn improves their standard of living.
“The bridges that we are building, the airports that we are building, the roads that we are building, and the ports and wharves that we are building will enable our people to have a better standard of living.”
ADB Papua New Guinea Resident Mission country director, Marcelo Minc, said, “The improved airport will boost connectivity between West New Britain and the rest of PNG and stimulate the local economy.”
“Local communities were hired during construction and a new market was built inside the airport boundary which will enable vendors to sell local produce, art and crafts, and souvenirs.”
The Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) is carried out by ADB in its efforts to provide safer, more secure and all-weather air transport services for 21 national airports throughout PNG.
The program includes runway extensions, strengthening pavements, building airport fencing and parking bays for aircraft, purchasing state-of-the art fire trucks, and upgrading navigation and air traffic management systems.
The CADIP program is expected to be complete in 2018.
