The Rotuma Island Council has expressed its approval of the recent improvements made to the island’s airport runway, carried out by Fiji Airports and contractor Flame Tree Development (Fiji) Pte Ltd. The runway upgrade, which involved landslip remediation, resealing of the runway shoulders, and upgrading the airport fence, was finished ahead of schedule.
Members of the Fiji Airports projects team recently visited Rotuma for the official handover from the contractors and to observe the completed upgrades. Gagaj Manav, the Council Chairman, praised Fiji Airports and the contractors for their efforts on the project.
“We are thankful for the work accomplished on the airport runway and for the opportunity to meet the team responsible for this project,” Manav stated.
Mesake Nawari, the Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports, commended Flame Tree Development for the quality of their work and for successfully implementing much-needed safety upgrades to the runway.
“The runway maintenance is crucial for our operations, and we appreciate the contractors for finishing the work ahead of schedule,” Nawari remarked. “I would also like to thank our customers and stakeholders for their support during the two-week maintenance period, during which bi-weekly flight operations remained uninterrupted.”
Nawari acknowledged the support of the Rotuma Island Council, local chiefs, and traditional owners who were present to see the project’s completion. He noted that the project timeline had been developed in partnership with stakeholders before the work began.
Earlier this year, Fiji Airports had announced a $10 million investment for runway maintenance across five of its 13 outer island stations, including Labasa, Rotuma, Savusavu, Lakeba, and Matei in Taveuni.
Nawari emphasized that these maintenance efforts demonstrate Fiji Airports’ commitment to the upkeep of government-owned airport facilities on outer islands. He added that discussions with the government are ongoing regarding additional funding to enhance facilities at outer island airports and Nausori.
“The scheduled maintenance at the five airports is entirely financed by Fiji Airports,” Nawari confirmed.
The Rotuma Airport is among the 14 airports managed by Fiji Airports on behalf of the Fijian Government. Following the handover, the Rotuma Island Council and the district chiefs were given a tour of the runway, apron, and taxiway, as well as a brief overview of airport operations and business.