Enga pays K300,000 installment to PX

Caption: (L) Air Niugini CEO Simon Foo receives cheque from Governor Ipatas

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, June 1, 2014 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH a commitment of a K1 million for subsidized flights into Enga Province- the Enga Provincial Government maintained its commitment of the arrangement with Air Niugini, with a second quarter payment of K300,000 to the national flag carrier to bring in vital air services into the province.

The payment follows a first installment of K200,000 in early in March, which was K50,000 short which was added to the second quarter payment made last week.

Presenting the payment to Air Niugini CEO Simon Foo, Governor for Enga Peter Ipatas said that the arrangement was worth the investment as it would enable his people to have clear access to air transport without having to make the trip to Mt Hagan City to travel.

“I am happy to be here again to make our second quarter payment from the K1 million commitments we have made for 2014,” Governor Ipatas said.

“Not a lot of our people in Enga have access to vehicles to make the trip down to Hagan and this subsidy will enable them to pay for their fare that is equivalent to them making the trip from Hagan which is cheaper.”

“Basically we are paying for the difference between Wapenamanda and Hagan and this contributes immensely to the convenience of our people when they travel.”

Air Niugini CEO Simon Foo thanks Enga Province for its partnership with the national airline, adding that the partnership between them was strong and was beneficial for the people.

The arrangement has seen the Enga benefit with five weekly flight to the province, with those set to benefit from the arrangement to include the various educational institutions, business interests, new proposed Enga Hospital and Medical School.