PARASI airport in Small Malaita will only reopen if a new agreement is signed between the national government and the tribal landowners.
That was according to the paramount chief of Abulimali tribes in Afio and Maka’a, John Iro on Monday.
In an interview with Solomon Star, the chief indicated his tribe’s willingness to reopen the airport once a new agreement is signed.
Speaking on behalf of the Afio and Parasi landowners chief Iro said they have agreed to reopen the airport only if a new agreement is reached.
In a letter he submitted to the Permanent Secretary (PS) of Ministry of Aviation and Communication dated the 12th of March, he confirmed of the landowners’ willingness to reopen the airport.
“Myself and all the rightful landowners of Afio and Parasi airstrip hereby agree to reopen the airport for normal services as soon as possible when the rightful landowners sign all agreements with the you (PS) and your respected office.
“We the six landowners of Parasi Airport are willing to meet you and your Aviation administration in an open dialogue the soonest you need us,” the letter stated.
Chief Iro said, the airport was closed down by them as a former group who have had signed the last agreement were not the rightful landowners of Parasi land.
“They don’t have the history regarding the ownership of the said land.
“Since we the rightful owners we did agreed to re-open the airport. We need your positive and prompt response to our letter,” he added in the letter.
He said if the new agreement is to be signed the following rightful landowners should be considered, Paramount Chief John Iro, Chief Joseph Mistane, Allen Sanga, David Roroi, Philip Wai and Robert Ma’adio.
The willingness of the landowners goes in line with the work of a task-force led by Ministry of Communication and Aviation to reopen the airport.
By CHARLES KADAMANA
