Caption: Air
Niugini Q400 taxing in from the runway with the PM onboard.
Caption: PM O’Neill
and President Momis being carried to the main stage at Aropa Airport.
Caption: PM prepares to cut the ribbon to officially open
the airport.
By MATTHEW VARI
AFTER 25 years since the last airplanes ceased flying to Aropa Airport in Kieta, Bougainville in 1989 during the crisis on the island- the newly restored airport was officially opened by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Friday.
Leading a strong government delegation that consisted of cabinet ministers and heads of departments and state agencies, the PM touched down at Aropa around 1pm on an Air Niugini Bombardier Q400 aircraft.
In a ceremony that brought together people from Central Bougainville and nearby districts, people flocked to witness the opening ceremony that resembled a showcase of the region’s culture to put on a show of appreciation and respect for the prime minister.
Speaking as host on behalf of his district, Member for Central Bougainville and Communications and Information Minister, Jimmy Miringtoro, welcomed the PM along with his Minister and spoke of the airport as a symbol of rebuilding Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ARB) and also creating an ease to travel for his people.
He said that the reopening of the airport makes those of us travelling long distances to Buka breath a sigh of relief, and I must take this opportunity to thank our Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for this airport and other high impact project impacts,”
“Projects like the Aropa Airport are a uniting force for the people of Bougainville, bringing people together and bringing people from other areas to come here to use this service as a meeting place and a common ground for South, Central and North Bougainville and not forgetting our outer islands.”
He said that the airport will provide services for vending, banking, offices, postal, mobile phone network and shipping port.
Miringtoro called on his people to take ownership of the infrastructure and services provided by the government in order to receive more services in the future.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill in his address to the people thanked the participation of leaders from both the ARB government and the national government for their efforts in making the reopening become a reality Airport
“Displa em wampla Important occasion na historical occasion blo country blo umi, but more significant for bougainville (This is an important and historical occasion for our country, but more significant for Bougainville),” the PM said in Pidgin.
“This is because this infrastructure will serve the people of Bougainville, so I thank National Airports Corporation with its staff and the three airlines that took part as some of the first flights in since the closure years ago.”
Mr O’Neill pointed out that the government was committed to bring in services to make sure that the generation that missed out for the good part of more than 20 years in education, health services, and infrastructure are given an opportunity to engage with the world.
He told them that the National Government is committed to infrastructure in the region, saying it has a bright big future ahead.
ARB President John Momis on behalf of Bougainville acknowledged with gratitude the contribution of the national government had done in the reconstruction of Aropa Airport.
He acknowledged the role of the MP for Central Bougainville and the landowners to come up with the impact project.
Saying that it showed the capability of people when they join hands together and collaborate to form strong solidarity to work together in working out the issues of the past.
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