The Rotuma Island Council has applauded the completion of the works carried out on the island airport runway by Fiji Airports and the project contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd
Works on the runway pavement upgrade at the Rotuma Airport which included landslip remediation works, runway shoulder resealing and fence upgrade was completed well ahead of schedule.
The Fiji Airports projects team was on the island recently for the official handover by the contractors and also to witness the completion of the project works.
In a statement, Council Chairman, Gagaj Manav acknowledged Fiji Airports and the contractors for the work on the island runway.
“The Council and I are grateful for the work carried out on the island airport runway and to meet the team that are here to work on the airport runway,” Gagaj Manav said.
Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mesake Nawari said runway project contractors, Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd did a marvellous job on the runway and executed the upgrade works well giving it the much-needed upgraded safety features.
“The runway pavement maintenance work is essential in our operations, and we acknowledge the contractors for completing the maintenance ahead of time,” Mr Nawari said.
“I also thank our customers and stakeholders for their unwavering support during the two week maintenance work with the bi-weekly flight operations unaffected at all.
“We also acknowledge the Rotuma Island Council, the seven chiefs and traditional owners who were present at the airport to witness the completion of this major upgrade works.”
He said the project timeline was conducted in consultation with stakeholders prior to its commencement.
Fiji Airports had earlier this year announced a $10million investment to undertake runway pavement maintenance projects on five of its 13 outer island stations including Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei (Taveuni).
Mr Nawari said this is part of the ongoing maintenance works for all the outer island airports, reflecting the company’s commitment to maintaining government-owned outer island airports.
Mr Nawari added Fiji Airports will continue its negotiations with the government for funding to further enhance facilities at outer island airports and Nausori.
“The scheduled maintenance work at the five airports is fully funded by Fiji Airports,” Mr Nawari stated.
The Rotuma Airport is one of the 14 Fijian Government-owned airports managed by Fiji Airports.
The Rotuma Island Council (seven district chiefs) were also given a tour of the runway, apron and taxiway tour after a brief introduction of the airport operations and business.
