Prime Minister, James Marape this morning assured the people of Madang Province that the National Government will intervene if necessary to ensure the long-delayed Madang Airport terminal is completed, following the abandonment of the project by the contractor responsible for its construction.
PM Marape gave the assurance in Parliament while responding to a question from Madang Governor, Ramsey Pariwa.
Related news: https://www.postcourier.com.pg/madang-governor-challenges-prime-minister-over-stalled-airport-completion/
Pariwa raised concerns about the incomplete airport terminal despite major road infrastructure upgrades like the 4-lane road currently taking place in the province.
Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the concern, noting that it would make little sense for Madang to have modern road infrastructure leading to an unfinished or outdated airport terminal.
“One can only imagine the situation where we build modern infrastructure, such as the four-lane road from the airport area into town, and yet passengers arrive at a rundown terminal,” Prime Minister Marape told Parliament.
“That would not make sense. The airport terminal must match the standard of infrastructure we are building.”
Prime Minister Marape noted that while many airport projects across the country have been completed in recent years, Madang experienced delays due to the failure of the contractor responsible for the terminal construction.
“The contractor defaulted and abandoned the work, and that created the situation we are facing today,” he said.
“Because the project was initially funded under a development programme, we had to carefully review the contractual obligations and determine what the contractor’s responsibilities were before the National Government could step in.”
Prime Minister Marape said he personally witnessed the unfinished state of the project during a recent visit to Madang.
He recalled travelling through the province when he attended an event in Sumkar District at the invitation of local leaders.
“When I passed through Madang, I saw for myself the situation at the airport terminal,” he said.
“At that moment I immediately sent instructions to the relevant authorities in Civil Aviation and the National Airports Corporation to begin looking at how we can complete the project.”
The Prime Minister said the Government is currently working with the National Airports Corporation and other relevant agencies to determine the best pathway to complete the terminal.
“If the Asian Development Bank cannot continue the project under the original arrangement, then the National Government will intervene to ensure the terminal is completed,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We cannot leave Madang with an unfinished airport facility.”
He emphasized that the airport terminal must be developed to a standard that reflects Madang’s growing importance as an economic and tourism center.
“Madang is a very important province. It has significant tourism potential, a strong fisheries sector, and growing interest in mining and other industries,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We must build an airport terminal that is befitting of Madang and one that reflects its economic importance.”
Prime Minister Marape also noted that major road infrastructure upgrades are currently underway in Madang, including the improvement of the road linking the airport area through the swamp section and into the main town area.
“That road project is already underway as we speak,” he said.
“So, it is only logical that the airport terminal development should happen around the same time, so that the two pieces of infrastructure complement each other.”
Prime Minister Marape apologized to the people of Madang for the delays and assured them that the Government is committed to resolving the issue.
“I want to apologies to the people of Madang for what appears to be a delay,” he said.
Related news: https://www.thepngsun.com/pm-marape-outlines-national-airport-upgrades-pays-tribute-to-somare-government-for-modern-airports/
“This delay began when the contractor abandoned the job, but we are now working to ensure that the project is completed.”