Central Government Approves Airport Construction In N Maluku

Ternate, North Maluku, Jan 13 (Antara) - The Transportation Ministry, on behalf of the central government, approves the construction of an airport in Weda, Central Halmahera District in North Maluku, stated an official. North Maluku Department of Transportation, Telekomunikas and Informatics Chief Taufik Madjid stated here on Monday that the Transportation Ministry has allocated Rp10 billion as funds for the airport development in Weda. "To be handled directly by Central Halmahera District Administration, the construction of the airport will start this year," Taufik confirmed. According to him, the airport, whose preliminary stage is the development for small planes, is situated at productive forest areas and, so there will be no problem in the land acquisition process. He pointed out that the presence of the airport is expected to improve public transportation services because the area has so far been connected only by sea and overland transportation. "Besides, it will also encourage both domestic and foreign investors to invest in Central Halmahera District, known for abundant resources in mining, plantation, fisheries and tourism sectors," he noted. Taufik explained that the North Maluku provincial administration has been making every effort to build an airport at every district and city in the province for both pioneering and regular flights. Further, he pointed out that out of ten districts/municipalities in the province, three have yet to have an airport, namely Central Halmahera, West Halamahera and Tidore islands (Tikep).