March 22nd 2021
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has expressed his anger that employees of two security firms clashed at the Jacksons International airport this morning.
PM Marape has called for an investigation into this saga as well as other operational and management issues with regards to the National Airport Corporation ( NAC) Ltd’s operation.
“This incident is one of many such safety issues that have been happening at our premiere airport and I am not taking this thing lightly, ” he said.
” I have directed for investigations into what is happening at the airports.
“I am not running Government for breaking rules, nepotism and fighting for positions or contracts to grow roots in our State-owned agencies.
“NAC, as a State agency, must rise above this sort of nonsense because work place safety is important for travellers, business and the community.”
PM Marape announced that the investigation would be headed by Mr Thomas Eluh of the Independent Commission Against Corruption ( ICAC) with senior officers from PM’s Department, Police, Transport Department and State Solicitors Office.
” Other departments like Finance and Auditor-General will be called upon to assist when required,” he said.
“Thisshould take one or two weeks where appropriate actions will be taken to restore credibility to the once-proud National Airports Corporation Ltd.
” Civil Aviation Minister Segi Agisa is in support of this outside investigation that should ascertain what is happening at NAC.
” In the meantime, I call for arrest of those involved in the airport melee , as well as terminating contracts of security companies who caused this fight at the airport.
“ This should serve as a warning to all security company and other service providers to State agencies to work with ethics and discipline. “
PM has directed for ICAC to be on standby for similar probes into Government agencies that show symptoms of mismanagement and corruption.