Chinese Ambassador Xue Bing speaking at Goroka Airport opening

Chinese Ambassador Xue Bing  speaking at Goroka Airport opening on Tuesday, June 5, 2018：

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill opens Goroka Airport

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill's full speech when opening Goroka Airport on Tuesday, June 5, 2018：

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on the new Goroka Airport

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, who has a very strong and personal relationship with Goroka, tells me what the new Goroka Airport means to him after opening it on Tuesday, June 5, 2018:

Mal 'Kela' Smith on the new Goroka Airport

The legend Mal 'Kela' Smith, who has been flying in and out of Goroka since 1969, talks to me about what the new airport means to him.

He remembers his old mate, Dennis Buchanan of Talair fame, pioneer Sir Danny Leahy, and the old-timers who built Goroka.

New Goroka Airport to boost agriculture and tourism, says MP

Goroka MP Henry Ame says agriculture and tourism are set to boom in his town and Eastern Highlands following the opening of the new airport there.

The airport was opened on Tuesday, June 5, by Prime Minister Peter O'Neill.

UN returns to Mendi, resumes humanitarian operation

Port Moresby, June 21, 2018 – United Nations (UN) staff returned to Mendi in Southern Highlands province to resume humanitarian relief activities which have been ongoing since February’s M7.5 earthquake which took place in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea.

The staff were warmly greeted with chants of ‘welkam back’ by communities including children, religious and local leaders. The UN relocated its personnel from Mendi following the outbreak of violence there on 14 June.

“We stopped at Ilo Elementary School, Yebi Primary School and Kalape Elementary School in Imbonggu District to see the progress on latrine and water storage installations, . . . .the three schools organised a celebration, welcoming (back) UN. 

"Chants, songs, posters – big and small, speeches, all thanking and welcoming UN. 

"Community leaders were there and also welcomed the UN team . . . saying people in Imbongu are peace loving.

" I was personally touched when the MC announced ‘mangi Mendi em kambek’” said Ali Ramly, UNICEF Team Leader. 

“As we entered the town and approached the Diocese where we stay. . . . the reception was incredible – children ran up to us, nuns and priests and brothers were coming to approach us.”

UN Resident Coordinator, Gianluca Rampolla said： “UN is committed to serve the people of Papua New Guinea and support the communities affected by earthquake in addressing their immediate needs. 

"Our immediate return is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff who are ready to work in the most difficult and challenging situations. 

"The welcome that the communities have extended to our staff is a very clear indication of the value of our work. 

"It is a proud moment for all of us.” 

The UN Resident Coordinator accompanied by the UNICEF Representative and a World Bank delegation will be travelling to Mendi over the weekend.

Operating from its base in Mendi, the UN has been providing relief assistance to earthquake-impacted communities in Southern Highlands and Hela provinces. 

These include providing emergency shelters and households items while also supporting the rehabilitating of facilities in schools and health centres; establishing temporary learning space for children and empowerment spaces for women; undertaking province-wide immunization campaigns, malnutrition screening and treatment while providing access to psychosocial support, sexual and reproductive health and family planning services. 

The UN has also provided food assistance to remote communities in Southern Highlands, Hela and Western provinces experiencing severe food insecurity.

The UN continues to support the PNG Government with humanitarian and logistics coordination for the earthquake response.

New Goroka Airport a boost to tourism: Tourism Promotion Authority

The new Goroka Airport will bring in an increased number of tourists to Goroka and Eastern Highlands, says Tourism Promotion Authority chief executive officer and National Airports Corporation deputy-chairman Jerry Agus.
He said this when commenting on the opening of the K110 million Goroka Airport upgrade project on Tuesday June 5 by Prime Minister Peter O’Neill (click to watch full interview).

Agus said apart from the terminal, there were other things that made tourism click, if it was to grow in Eastern Highlands.