DILI, 17 january 2023 (TATOLI)—The Vise Ministry of Finance has informed that the International Airport of Nicolau Lobato, Comoro Dili, will continue to function during the construction process, adding that the location construction will not have an impact on the airport activities.
Deputy Minister of Finance, António Freitas revealed that currently, the government has not considered an alternative airport.
“Obviously we have alternatives, but at this early stage, we are only focusing on extending the runway to the sea. I don’t think this will have an immediate impact,” António told reporters after meeting with the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak at the Government Palace, on tuesday.
He explained, the process of constructing a new terminal will also not have an impact. For this reason, in the near future, the Ministry of Finance will submit a proposal to the Council of Ministers to authorize the support of the Japanese Government in the construction process of Comoro Airport.
Regarding the compensation process for the community around the airport, the relevant ministries have collected the data and the payment will be made this year.
António Freita also reported that the tender process for the project has opened in 2022 at CAN (Comiçao Naçional de Aprovisionamento) which is expected to be completed this January.
In addition, an evaluation was conducted for a loan proposal from the ADB (Asian Development Bank) of $ 135 million for a runway expansion project.
“If all discussions go well, the project will be launched in February,” he said.
The Government also secured $17.5 million in the State budget to co-finance several activities, including compensation to project-affected families, advisory services, demolition works, etc.
Even the Australian Government has agreed to provide a $45 million loan agreement, and a $28.36 million grant agreement through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), which will upgrade facilities at President Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Nelia B
