South Epi’s new airport to slash high transport costs
November 24, 2024 10:25 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Ezra Toara.
The newly established Lopeni Airport in South Epi is set to significantly reduce transportation costs for residents travelling to nearby airports, including Tongoa, Valesdir, and Laman Bay.
Former Member of Parliament (MP) for South Epi, John Niel Supo, stressed the financial burden residents previously faced when attempting to access air travel.
He noted that travelling from South Epi to Valesdir Airport costs around Vatu (VT)30,000, excluding airfare. For those travelling further north to Laman Bay Airport or Rovo Bay to access banking services, costs escalate to approximately VT52,000. These expenses, MP Supo explained, underscored the urgent need for a local airport to better serve the community.
However, they began clearing the bushes and cutting down trees using manpower last year, Supo said, expressing gratitude for the collaboration with the former Minister of Public Works, who is helping to finalise the airport construction just recently.
“It is a dream come true for the people of Epi. Although we are close to Port Vila and can see its lights at night, life here is challenging due to the lack of action and services. That is why we took it upon ourselves to begin this work,” he said.
Supo credited the initial progress to the determination of local residents.
Using their own resources and labour, they cleared the land for the airport and started work on improving road access. This grassroots effort, he explained, demonstrates the true spirit of independence.
“The land for the Lopeni Airport belongs to the chiefs, passed down through generations as plantations. Despite discussions with previous leaders, no action was taken.
“It was only after I initiated this project, first as a chief and later as an elected MP, that we were able to see progress,” he said.
Supo highlighted the timeline of the airport’s development, noting that one month was dedicated to clearing the bushes and another four weeks to final preparations by the Public Works Department. The airport is now awaiting final clearance for its first operational flight.
The new airport is expected to transform access to essential government services and economic opportunities for the people of South Epi. Travellers will no longer need to endure costly journeys by boat from Tongoa to Epi but can land directly at Lopeni Airport in South Epi.
“This is what independence truly means,” Supo remarked. “We don’t just depend on the government; we started the work ourselves and let the government complete it. Now, everyone will benefit.”
In addition to the airport, MP Supo is spearheading efforts to connect roads from South Epi to the eastern part of the island, further enhancing mobility and development.
An Air Taxi aircraft landed at Lopeni Airport yesterday for the first time, and many people from the nearby villages in South Epi were at the airport to witness the first landing.
For the people of South Epi, the completion of Lopeni Airport marks the realisation of a long-held dream, reflecting resilience and the power of community action.
