The National Airports Corporation (NAC) strongly condemns the armed robbery on September 24th at our contractorβs campsite for the Finschhafen Airstrip Upgrading Project.
The attack is a cowardly assault on national progress and workersβ safety. The armed robbery happened at night, involving a group of up to 15-armed men who overpowered security, looted accommodation and office facilities, and stole vital project equipment.
No casualties were reported, and Police had responded immediately, securing the area, and have launched investigations into the matter.
This incident is unacceptable and is a direct threat to the safety of project workers, contractor personnel, and assets dedicated to delivering essential airstrip infrastructure for the people of Gagidu, Finschhafen, and Papua New Guinea.
Having said this, we would like to commend the current collaborative effort between the Finschhafen District Administration and the contractor in assisting Police investigations.
We urge communities within the vicinity to cooperate with authorities by providing information that may lead to the identification and apprehension of those responsible.
The Finschhafen Airstrip Upgrading Project, under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) is funded by the Asian Development Bank and the Government of Papua New Guinea, and is a vital investment aimed at improving connectivity, access to essential services, and economic opportunities.
NAC calls on all stakeholders to safeguard this development and work together to build a safer, stronger future for Finschhafen and the nation.