After years of shutdown the Namatanai Airstrip in New Ireland has been re-opened following an upgrade of the airport facilities.
Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey represented Prime Minister James Marape to commission the airport and its facilities last Friday.
“I stand in awe to see these services ready to serve people in this part of the country.
“Please do not politicize these projects but respect and use them to benefit,” said Ling-Stuckey.
The Namatanai Airport upgrade cost K2million with most funding from monthly Lihir Mining Royalty payments by Newcrest Mining Limited.
Meanwhile Minister for Civil Aviation and Namatanai MP Walter Schnaubelt said despite stiff political opposition to prevent the opening, it was a success after all these years.
Schnaubelt said there is no time for politics but to start deliver and ensure people benefit from funding earmark for development.
“We are focused on delivering services to the doorstep”, said Schnaubelt.
“It’s not about me but the people”, he added.
Other projects announced and commissioned include K3.7million for heavy equipment, K5.5million for a 1Megawats Biomass Power Generation project, K2million for Namatanai Fire Station, K2million Flight Training Centre, K4million Hydrogen Solar Power Project for Namatanai Hospital.
Other projects include Housing Scheme, Transmitter for NBC and a counter funding for Namatanai District Court Housing.
The occasion was also attended by Minister for Lands John Rosso, Minister for Health Jelta Wong and Minister for Fisheries Dr Lino Tom.
The people of Namatanai concluded the day with dancers from different LLGs and live entertainments from music legends Sir George Telek and King of Pacific Music Pati Pots Doi with choir groups from Tavui and Matupit in East New Britain.
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