By Rayon Lakingu – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has confirmed that the Hayfield Airstrip, in Maprik, East Sepik Province, is ready to use.
Maprik MP, John Simon, was pleased to make the announcement.
After a test flight on Saturday, by Air Sanga from Port Moresby to Hayfield, CASA has given the “OK” for the airstrip to be used.
For Maprik, being the service center for almost all districts in East and West Sepik provinces, the airstrip will be a very big help for businesses. The airstrip can be used by small aircrafts.
Simon said they will be speaking with Air Niugini for Link PNG to have access to the airstrip.
The total cost of the upgrade is K5 million, of which K3 million comes from the Prime Minister and K2 million from DSIP. He added, that business houses in Maprik have also agreed, to help build a terminal and upgrade the 1.1 km runway to 1.6 km.
The airstrip will be officially opened, when the Prime Minister visits Maprik, in the next few weeks.
He urged the people of Maprik to look after the service because it will look after them, in the long run.
