Western Highlands backs lifeline aviation as Rapa commits K200,000 to MAF
The Western Highlands Provincial Government [WHPG] has pledged K200,000 to the Mission Aviation Fellowship [MAF] PNG, recognising the organisation's 75 years of delivering life-saving services to some of Papua New Guinea's most isolated communities.
The funding commitment was announced during the launch of a new partnership between the Australian Government and MAF PNG at Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen recently, aimed at ensuring the continuation of essential aviation services that connect remote communities to healthcare, education, emergency response and other vital services.
The partnership will help MAF sustain its operations and expand its reach to communities that depend on air transport as their only reliable link to the outside world.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa praised MAF's decades of dedicated service to the Highlands and the nation, saying the provincial government's contribution is a token of appreciation for an organisation that has saved countless lives.
"For 75 years, Mission Aviation Fellowship [MAF] has been a lifeline for our people, reaching places where no roads exist and where aircraft are often the only means of transport," Rapa said.
"On behalf of the people of Western Highlands, I am proud to commit K200,000 to MAF in appreciation of its unwavering service to our province and Papua New Guinea. This is our way of saying thank you for standing with our people through medical emergencies, education, disaster response and community development."
He also called on other provincial governments, churches and development partners to continue supporting MAF's mission, saying aviation remains critical to delivering services to Papua New Guinea's remote communities.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea Ewen McDonald said Australia's partnership with MAF reflects its commitment to ensuring every Papua New Guinean has access to essential services regardless of where they live.
"For those in remote communities, MAF's planes can mean the difference between life and death," McDonald said.
"They help patients reach health care, deliver essential supplies and connect communities when no other transport options exist. Australia is proud to support MAF as it continues serving Papua New Guinea."
MAF PNG Country Director Dom Sant said for the past 75 years the organisation has demonstrated how aviation transforms lives by transporting patients, medical supplies, construction materials and emergency relief to communities cut off by rugged terrain.
"Whether it is transporting a patient for urgent medical treatment, moving construction materials or responding to an emergency, our aircraft provide a vital connection. Australia's support will help us continue this important work," Sant said.
