KOROR, Palau (18 Aug 2003) - The runway of Palau International Airport is dangerous, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Vice President and Minister of Health Sandra S. Pierantozzi, in a letter to President Tommy Remengesau, said the airport runway is in "a condition of disrepair which needs immediate attention and replacement." "They showed me pictures of many cracks and holes on the runway and loose gravel that could potentially cause disasters to occur," the vice president said in her letter. Pierantozzi was informed of the condition of the runway after the team met her Aug. 7. She said that last year the FAA team classified the runway as "unsafe." They said that no action has been taken during the year to correct any of the problems dealing with safety and security requirements cited last year. The estimated cost of the repair is at least $10 million, the vice president said. At a budget hearing conducted by the national legislature, the Olbiil Era Kelulau, for the Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the resurfacing of the airport runway was brought up. | | Pierantozzi urged the OEK to identify funds for the resurfacing of the runway. Recently, Speaker Mario Gulibert, accompanied by House Floor Leader Sabino Anastacio, Del. Lucio Ngiraiwet, chairman of the House Committee on Capitol Improvement Projects, and Del. Noah Secharraimul checked the condition of the runway and confirmed the report. "Before the airlines decide not to fly to Palau because of the dangerous airport condition, I believe that the government should take immediate action to repair the runway. It must be a top priority," Anastacio said. Pierantozzi said she has called an emergency meeting with Minister of Commerce and Trade Otoichi Besebes and Airport General Manager Caleb Koshiba and other officials to resolve some of the issues brought up by the FAA team. These include a fire truck that is properly manned during flight times, and firefighters properly suited when operating the fire truck. |
