This is one of the major projects that the people of North Ambrym have been waiting for.

The Member of Parliament for Ambrym, Hon. Basile Buleban, stated during Parliament sitting this week that since 1994, the people have continued to suffer due to the lack of airport services.

“Olal Airport is in process, and second question, Mr. Speaker, I want that Olal Airport must be completed because at times work is not being done there.”

The Minister of Infrastructure, Hon. Xavier E. Harry, responded that the work is currently in progress.

“The government signed the contract with Pierre Brunnet one month ago. Following this, we already made the first advance payment of 20% two weeks ago. Last week and this week, I believe the team from Public Works and the contractor were on-site to begin mobilization.”

The Area Administrator for North Ambrym, Jackson Willie, told VBTC News that the contractor’s team and the two MPs for Ambrym had arrived in North Ambrym for the site inspection.

Mr. Willie stated that the contractor has seven months to complete the work, but he confirmed with the locals that it may be completed earlier.

“The Minister has confirmed that at least 20% of the total budget has already been released to the contractor. This week we witnessed that the statement given by the Minister of Public Utilities in Parliament is true. They came to the airport and did a site assessment for three hours.”

Mr. Willie also said that work is expected to start in June.