Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has extended his warm congratulations to the people of West New Britain Province on the official groundbreaking of the K51.7 million Hoskins Airport upgrade project under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II (CADIP II).
The project — valued at K51,703,909.95 — includes asphalt surfacing, terminal building refurbishment, and associated works, and is being delivered by China Railway Construction Engineering Group with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and implementation by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
Prime Minister Marape said: “This project is a timely and significant development that underscores my government’s commitment to modernising aviation infrastructure across Papua New Guinea. West New Britain is a critical province for our nation — a centre of agriculture, oil palm, forestry, tourism, and home to people from all regions of PNG. This development is a long-overdue recognition of your contribution to the national economy and to our country’s unity.”
While unable to attend in person due to prior commitments in Goroka, Prime Minister Marape said his thoughts were with the people of the province on this proud day “This is your moment. I sincerely thank the Asian Development Bank and the National Airports Corporation for their continued partnership in CADIP Phase II. I urge all our people to embrace and support this infrastructure investment, which will improve travel, stimulate economic growth, and enhance services.”
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the important role of former Minister for Civil Aviation Hon. Walter Schnaubelt, current Minister Hon. Wake Goi and Provincial MP for West New Britain Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel in ensuring the project reached this stage.
“May God bless the people of West New Britain. I look forward to seeing this development completed and delivering real benefits to your communities,” Prime Minister Marape said.
