Hiccups in PNG system

PNG system

Papua New Guinea’S Poor

transport system is hindering the development of the country’s agricul tural, forestry and mining pro

grammes, according to Transport

Minister Anthony Tcmo.

Speaking to major aid donor countries and authorities in Port Moresby in March, Temo said more aid was needed for transport pro grammes.

He said the government had pre pared a 10-year development plan for transport estimated to cost about KUS9SO million.

The meeting was attended by rep -esentatives of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Australia, the Eur

)pean Community, Germany and

[apan.

The Asian Development Bank ap jroved a SUS 69 million loan to PNG > n January 14 for a transport infra tructure development Project.

The project covers improvement of lational and provincial roads at the >ort of Lae.

It will also include a review of the tructural stability of the main wharf at >on Moresby, provision of additional lavigational aids and strengthening of

he Department of Transport.

A WELCOME ADDITION: One of Fiji's most exclusive resorts. The Wakaya Club, took charge of a brand new PBN Islander BN2B 26 on March 31. The $US880,000 aircraft can accommodate nine passengers. It was handed over by its builders, Pilatus Britten- Norman Ltd. According to the builders, it is the first time the company has supplied an aircraft to Fiji in 20 years. Apart from transporting guests the plane will also be available for private charter.

CHINESE CHOICE: Fiji's main domestic carrier, Fiji Air, had a new Y-12 Harbin aircraft commissioned in February. The Chinese-built 19-seater aircraft is regaraded by Fiji Air as the right aircraft to replace the Twin Otter. The airline has purchased three aircraft with an option to buy a fourth. Fiji Air was appointed the sales agent for the Harbin Y-12 in the South West Pacific in January.