Employment-intensive investment
Rehabilitated Mariama airstrip marks a major milestone for inclusive growth in Papua New Guinea
Vital infrastructure restored by Papua New Guinea’s Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) under the European Union-funded Programme for Support to Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade (EU-STREIT PNG).
30 April 2025
East Sepik Province, Papua New Guinea (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) joined national, provincial and community leaders in inaugurating the rehabilitated Mariama Airstrip in Karawari Rural LLG, East Sepik Province on 28 April 2025, marking a transformative milestone for connectivity, livelihoods and inclusive development in rural Papua New Guinea.
The Mariama Airstrip is the fifth and final airstrip to be restored under the European Union funded EU-STREIT PNG Programme, a flagship initiative supporting economic empowerment and infrastructure development in the Sepik Region. Implemented jointly by the Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA) and the ILO, the project used the ILO’s Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) approach ensuring that local resources and workers from the community were central to the effort.
Speaking at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Martin Wandera, Director of the ILO Office for Pacific Island Countries, described the airstrip not only as a logistical asset but as a “symbol of hope, inclusion, and opportunity” for over 19,000 people in remote Sepik communities.
“We celebrate not just the rehabilitation of this airstrip but access to schools and health services, markets for vanilla and cocoa farmers and a bridge to opportunity for a region that has faced transport challenges for far too long,” he stated.
The airstrip rehabilitation which included runway graveling, improved drainage and installation of aviation aids was completed using labour-based methods and hand tools, creating 9,760 days of paid work across five airstrip sites, with 780 jobs created at Mariama alone. These temporary employment opportunities provided immediate income to families and helped workers develop transferable skills for future infrastructure work.
“This is what the ILO stands for: decent work as the cornerstone of sustainable development, and social justice as the foundation of peace and prosperity,” Wandera added. “We are proud to see these values come to life in Papua New Guinea.”
The project was praised for its strong multi-stakeholder partnership. The ILO acknowledged the European Union’s vision and funding, as well as the contributions of the UN Resident Coordinator and agencies including FAO, UNDP, ITU, and UNCDF, who supported various components of the EU-STREIT PNG Programme. Mr. Wandera also thanked the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Provincial Administration for fostering an enabling environment for this initiative.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird, EU Ambassador Jacques Fradin, and UN Resident Coordinator Richard Howard also attended the ceremony and commended the community’s resilience and collaboration.
“This achievement shows that large-scale projects can yield results in PNG,” said Governor Bird. “On behalf of the people of Greater Sepik, thank you, European Union.” “Efficient transport is critical for linking rural producers to markets. The EU-STREIT PNG Programme has empowered thousands of cocoa, vanilla, and fish producers. This airstrip will ensure their products reach national and international buyers” stated the Ambassador Fradin, who also the Guest of Honour.
Mr. Wandera emphasized the importance of sustainability, noting that trained Airstrip Maintenance Officers have been deployed, and a Memorandum of Understanding is in progress to secure ongoing government budget support. “With regular maintenance, Mariama Airstrip can serve this community for 10 to 15 years or more,” he said. “The lessons from this success must inspire similar efforts across Papua New Guinea.”
The Mariama Airstrip forms part of a broader EU-STREIT PNG Programme EIIP initiative that includes the rehabilitation of four other airstrips: Munduku, Moropote, Okisai, and Warakori as well as rehabilitating and maintaining over 500kms of rural roads.
As the ILO looks to the future, Mr. Wandera reaffirmed the Organization’s commitment to support Papua New Guinea in promoting fair, inclusive, and climate-resilient development: “As we cut this ribbon, let’s remember we are not just opening a runway we are opening pathways to education, health, trade, and opportunity. The ILO stands with Papua New Guinea as we work toward 2030 Agenda a society, where every worker has a fair chance and every community has a voice.”
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EU-STREIT Project in Papua New Guinea
Rural Entrepreneurship, Investment and Trade (STREIT) Programme