Runway
opening big day for Aitutaki
One
of the biggest projects to have taken place in the Cook Islands
in recent years ended on Thursday with the official opening
of Aitutaki airport's new runway.
The
$3.8 million runway has been completely rebuilt and is now strong
enough to be used regularly by Boeing 737 passenger jets. More
importantly, with an overlay of emulsion it is now much safer
for Air Rarotonga's Saab aircraft which flies to the island
a number of times each day.
The
installation of new approach and runway lights has also boosted
the airport's usefulness and aircraft will now be able to make
much more use of it, providing more convenient connections with
international flights to and from Rarotonga.
For
Prime Minister Dr. Robert Woonton, who pushed for the runway
to be built to international standards, it was what he described
as a very satisfying day. For hundreds of Aitutaki residents
it was cause for celebration in the form of a huge traditional
ceremony complete with musicians, drummers and dancers - and
a massive celebration feast.
Organisers
had been anxious after rainy weather on Wednesday, but on the
big day the sun shone and to the relief of chief organiser and
prime minister's chief executive officer Piho Rua everything
went off without a hitch from the moment Dr. Woonton's chartered
aircraft touched down on the old coral runway.
The
prime minister had especially asked for the school children
to be given the opportunity to attend the opening and they formed
a welcoming line that boosted the already large crowd as Dr.
Woonton and his wife Sue were hoisted on to a paata and given
the traditional challenge from a warrior.
Queen's
Representative Frederick Goodwin was given a similar welcome
when his Saab flight landed on the old runway for the last time
and he and his wife Ina joined a large crows of VIPs, politicians,
traditional leaders and island officials waiting in the terminal
for the formal part of the opening to begin.
In
his speech Mayor Tai Herman made pleas for a fee to be introduced
to help pay for the runway loan - surprising those who thought
government had said the last word on the subject when they rejected
the Airport Authority's planned introduction of a $20 fee for
passengers flying to the island.
However,
Herman received plenty of praise from both deputy prime minister
Dr. Terepai Maoate and Dr. Woonton for his business acumen and
his leadership in island government.
When
the prime minister spoke, however, it was obvious he had the
island right on his side. He told residents the future of Aitutaki
was in their hands. 'Development is good for all of us' he said
'It reduces the poverty of lack of opportunity here and in the
rest of the country'.
Dr.
Woonton said he had especially wanted the school children to
witness the opening as it was the start of a great leap forward
for the island. 'It is the most major development government
has been involved in, in the 38-years since self-determination'
he said.
A
short ceremony at the end of the terminal entrance marked the
end of a project which as Goodwin said, will encourage the growth
of tourism on the island and boost business opportunities.
Cook
Islands News, 3rd November 2003
