By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
The people of Malaita Province are calling for the relocation of the one and only Gwaunaruu Airport in the province.
The call comes after long-standing claims and disputes between the Gwaunaruu landowners and the national government, which disrupted and delayed regular air transport services to and from Malaita Province.
The disputes were over breaches of a 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), primarily concerning maintenance contracts, payment issues, and demands for community infrastructure like roads and water supply.
Landowners felt that the government re-awarded maintenance work to outsiders and failed to honor payment terms, leading to repeated closures.
A concerned man, Eric Fono, said while the issues are yet to be resolved, the Malaita Provincial Government needs to look at ways to relocate the airport.
He said many land plots have been registered under the Malaita Provincial Government in the province.
“Yes, we have many registered lands in the province that are safe for accommodation and development. For example, in West Kwaio, we have areas at Buma, Kwa’a, and Baunani.
“It is very hard for the reopening of the Gwaunaruu airport by the national and provincial government, and I wonder why they failed to look at these lands,” Fono said.
He said he is aware that the Buma and Kwa’a land plots have enough hectares suitable for airport development.
“I am aware that Buma and Kwa’a are already registered under the province and have suitable land hectares for airport development.
“And I know this land plots are owned by the Catholic mission,” he said.
Fono voiced that in any province, airport development is a must, and they cannot afford to run without an airport for such an indefinite period, as this will affect most businesses and the traveling public.
He calls on the Malaita Provincial Government to seriously look into this issue next year.
Photo: Supplied
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