Government Committed to Build Temotu Airstrip

The Sikua Government is committed to build a second airstrip on Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province.

Minister for Communication and Aviation, Varian Longamei revealed this in Parliament yesterday in response to a question raised by the MP for Temotu Nende, Patterson Oti on the development of the Province.

Mr. Longamei said that although there is no allocation in this year's budget for the airstrip, "the government will find funds to build the airstrip".

Parliament was informed that the Earth Movers won the bid but later withdrew because "they want three-point-five million dollars for the work instead of the government's offer of two-million dollars."

The Temotu Nende MP, Mr. Oti urged the government to build another airstrip in Temotu Province for air safety reasons and that the area is prone to natural disasters such as cyclones.