OREANDA-NEWS. The upgraded Hoskins Airport in West New Britain Western Province has officially opened, marking a new milestone for the Asian Development Bank (ADB)-supported Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).  

The Government of Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Civil Aviation, Davis Steven, the Governor of West New Britain, Sasindran Muthuvel, and other senior government officials, representatives from ADB, and other development partners joined the people of Kimbe to celebrate the opening.

“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,” said Marcelo Minc, Country Director of ADB’s Papua New Guinea Resident Mission at the launch ceremony. “The improved airport will boost connectivity between West New Britain and the rest of PNG and stimulate the local economy.”

The improvements include an extension of the runway to 1,900 meters, strengthened pavements, installation of a perimeter security fence, a modernized terminal building with an eco-friendly sewerage system, and new solar-powered street lights around the terminal to boost energy efficiency.
 
CADIP is improving 21 national airports to provide safer, more secure and all-weather air transport services. The program includes extending runways, 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 program is expected to be complete by 2018.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members – 48 from the region. In 2014, ADB assistance totaled $22.9 billion, including co-financing of $9.2 billion.