Work is finally wrapping up for the Downer Group as Project Manager-Craig Smart gives a final update on the final completion of upgrade work at the Hanan International airport and car park to BCN News.
Smart says their last remaining items and equipment will be shipped out by the middle of this month as they begin to clear out their Huihui site base this week.
He confirms that the Hanan International airport is ready for night flights with an inspection flight successfully completed on October 15th.
Smart has also confirmed that two locals who worked with Downer here are now contracted in another Project currently underway in Tuvalu.
He has sincerely thanked all the stakeholders and service providers that have been welcoming and helpful throughout the team’s stay on the island.
As for Smart he takes a one week break when he leaves the island and is expected to join the Downer team in Tuvalu as well.
The project began in 2021 with a total of about 85 expatriate workers that included recruitment of locals as well.
The renewed runway was part of a $41.6 million dollar aviation infrastructure upgrade project funded by the Government of New Zealand’s international development cooperation programme.
The official opening ceremony of the newly resurfaced runway was held in July this year by New Zealand Prime Minister-Hon. Christopher Luxon and the Minister for Infrastructure-Hon. Crossley Tatui.