Big plans for Gwaunaru’u
SOLOMON Airlines says plans are in place to tar-seal and build a lighting system for Gwaunaru’u Airport in Malaita.
Chief Executive Officer Ron Sumsum announced this on Wednesday at the commissioning of the airport, following its reopening, Monday.
Gwaunaru’u, the third busiest domestic airport in the country, was closed down more than two years ago due to unresolved land dispute amongst landowners.
Captain Sumsum said Gwaunaru’u deserves a facelift because it was the third busiest airport behind Gizo and Munda in Western Province.
Both Gizo and Munda were tar-sealed but are yet to have lighting systems.
Captain Sumsum said the closure of Gwaunaru’u Airport two years ago had denied Solomon Airlines services to Malaita.
Meanwhile, Premier Peter Chanel Ramohia thanked the land owning tribes of Gwaunaru’u, Solomon Airlines, and the national for the effort taken to see the reopening of the airport.
Mr Ramohia added he wanted to see all airports in his province that were closed due to land disputes reopened.
Parasi in south Malaita and Manaoba in the northern region are the two airports in the province that have remained closed today due to land disputes.
Mr Ramohia on Wednesday welcomed the announcement by Captain Sumsum to tar-seal Gwaunaru’u.
By BIRIAU WILSON SAENI
in Auki