People of Vanikoro on the outer Island of Temotu Province will soon have a new airport thanks to Solomon Island Government (SIG) for recognising the transportation needs of this remote island.
An Asian logging company which is currently operating on Vanikoro has been clearing the land for the proposed airport awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI).
As part of inspecting the new airport an official from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and CAASI will visit the island soon.
CAASI Director George Satu told the Solomon Star yesterday that once the land is cleared off, the officials will travel to Vanikoro later this month or early March.
“At the moment, MID and CAASI are in close collaboration to make sure the runway meets aviation standards.
“Anytime this month or early next month, a team will travel to Vanikoroto inspect the airport and make recommendation,” he said.
Mr Satuc onfirmed that a logging company which operates on Vanikoro had already done site clearing on the airport.
“I already receive information that the airport has already being cleared off by the logging company operating there and this a good news for the people on that island of vanikoro.”
Once completed it would avoid people traveling by outboard motor between Vanikoko and Lata, the CAASI boss said.
“Travelling by OBM from Lata to VanIkoro is unsafe and very expensive.Therefore by having this airport it should help improve the transportation service in Temotu province,” he said.
Another airport which had been completed and awaits opening is Lomlom on Reef Islands.
By DENVER NEWTER
