The National Airports Corporation (NAC) and China Railway Construction Group Co. Limited signed a contract yesterday in Port Moresby to upgrade the Finschhafen Airstrip in Morobe Province.
The contract signing was witnessed by the Civil Aviation Minister, Hon. Wake Goi, Morobe Governor and Member for Finschhafen, Hon. Renbo Paita, ADB Country Director, Mr. Takafumi Kadono, NAC Board Chairman, Mr. Jacob Anga, other NAC Board Members, representatives from CRGG and other dignitaries.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/nac-seals-twin-deal-for-finschhafen-and-morobe/
“This marks the third airstrip awarded out of the four piloted rural airstrips planned for upgrade under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADP II) to be implemented by NAC in partnership with the Department of Transport”, Mr. Dominic Kaumu the Director and Acting CEO of NAC said, in his opening remarks.
He said a value of over K12.8 million (inclusive of GST) was awarded to CRGC to strengthen the Airstrip pavement, terminal building refurbishments and associated works.
The project will be implemented for a duration of 18 months and is expected to be completed by November 2027.
The contract covers the following works:
• Runway turning nodes, taxi and apron strengthening works.
• 3-coat bituminous chip sealing to the aircraft movement areas.
• Refurbishment to existing terminal building and carparking improvement, and.
• Other related works.
Mr. Kaumu said the NAC appreciates the continuing support of the National Government and the Asian Development Bank for funding this important investment.
MD Kaumu also added that this investment is part of the National Government’s Connect PNG Initiative under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023-27) to upgrade several rural airstrips and make them operational by 2027.
He congratulated the contractor, CRGC for being the successful bidder and looks forward in working closely with them to deliver this project.
Speaking during the contract signing, Minister Goi emphasized on the importance of improving rural air connectivity as a key government policy, comparing it to connecting roads across the country.
He argued that while provincial airports are connected, rural airstrips remain neglected, limiting access for people, goods (like coffee and cocoa), students, and public servants—especially in areas without road access.
Minister Goi expressed his appreciation for ongoing airstrip programs supported by ADB but called for increased funding (around K40 million) to expand development to many more rural airstrips.
“The goal is to build dozens of airstrips rather than just a few, boosting economic activity and mobility in rural areas”, he said.
Minister Goi also highlighted the need to:
• Complete earlier program phases (Cardiff 1 and 2) fully and properly
• Potentially reallocate funds to priority projects like Madang Airport
• Reform the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) into a standalone government entity to improve efficiency and funding access.
He criticized unnecessary costs like repeated groundbreaking ceremonies and stress that once contracts are signed, work should begin immediately.
The Minister also called out to prioritize upgrades and expansion of major airports (like Port Moresby, Tokua, Lae, and Mt. Hagen) to handle expected growth in air traffic over the next 5–6 years, while ensuring rural communities benefit through better access and economic opportunities.