AUGUST 18 2022
Prime Minister Hon. James Marape says the K794 million Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project (NARP) will be “a gamechanger for Lae, Morobe and Papua New Guinea” when completed.
He said this today (August 18 2022) after publication of the latest update of the project by National Airports Corporation (NAC).
“The NARP is a high-impact Government project which is funded by the National Government through a soft loan from the Government of Japan through Japanese International Cooperation Agency,” PM Marape said
“The Japanese ODA Step Loan, PN-P11, was signed on October 15, 2015, for 26.942 billion Japanese Yen (K680 million) and counter-funded by GoPNG with K114 million.
“The NARP could have been completed earlier, but for several reasons, including lack of counterpart funding by the O’Neill government and the onset of COVID-19.
“According to the NAC, the NARP is 70 per cent completed, will be 90 per cent completed by the end of this year, and will be fully completed by April 2023.
“I thank the Japanese Government, the Japanese contractors who have built the airport to highest international standards and our very-own NAC for this world-class project which will enable international flights in and out of Lae.”
PM Marape said Nadzab in the Markham Valley, Lae, Morobe and PNG would boom with the NARP, sealing of Yalu Bridge-Nadzab Section of the Highlands Highway at a cost of K400 million, and building of Nadzab Satellite City.
“For more than 10 years, the people of Lae, Morobe and PNG have been complaining about the bad roads between Lae and Nadzab,” he said.
“I am well aware of your cries as I, on my many visits to Lae over the years, have driven through the mud and potholes.
“I can assure you that you will have one of the best roads in the country when the Yalu Bridge-Nadzab section is completed.
“People will be able to travel in comfort from Lae to Nadzab, and then get on an international flight, once the new international airport is completed.”
PM Marape said the new satellite city, an initiative of the National Government and Morobe Provincial Government, would transform Lae and Morobe.
He commended Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP Hon. John Rosso for being in the forefront of this exciting project for Lae, Morobe and PNG.
“It is a timely intervention with the giant Wafi-Golpu Mine soon to come on stream,” PM Marape said.
“I welcome this satellite city development, where the private sector and super funds, will be major drivers in partnership with the State.
“Once completed, it will complement Nadzab International Airport, and will be timely with Wafi-Golpu and the major agri-business developments in the Markham Valley of Morobe and Ramu Valley of Madang.
“It will also provide home ownership for hundreds of Papua New Guineans.”
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