A float plane now serving Lake Murray is helping MAF to reach more isolated communities.
by Tajs Jespersen
People that have relied on dangerous dinghy trips for health services and education can now receive direct service through MAF’s float plane operation in the Western Province of Papua New Guinea.
“We have no roads here,” said Waida Gima, a local from Maka village in Lake Murray. “Women giving birth often die, people getting bitten by snakes.”
This is part of the dire reality that many people face in the communities around Lake Murray, but with the float plane, the people have received new hope for the future.
“Whatever problems that arise, like emergencies, I think MAF will solve our problem,” said Waida Gima.
The float plane started operating towards the end of 2024 at Lake Murray where 16 different communities are located around the water. Most of the communities can only be accessed by sea, which can take up to 6 hours to reach.
“Having a floatplane will overcome these challenges, where we can fly directly to the location, medevac a patient, and lives can be saved,” said Satish Moka, the General Manager of Operations for Sustainable Development Program (SDP).
As a development partner already conducting lifesaving medevacs through their Aerial Health Patrol program, SDP is the natural launch customer for the float plane operation in Western Province.
To enable the float plane to properly access the communities, MAF and SDP have worked together to construct docking stations with the local communities.
Read more about the community driven docking stations HERE.
Jacob Laplrapir, from Maka village, sees economic opportunity now that the float plane has improved links with the outside world.
“When I saw the float plane landing, I decided that I will build a shop so I can help my family here in the village,” said Jacob. “Now I can get all the building materials from Kiunga.”
I think God has a good vision for MAF to come here to serve the people
The float plane is yet another tool for MAF to bring hope to the isolated and according to Waida Gima, God is only getting started.
“I think God has a good vision for MAF to come here to serve the people,” said Waida.
The float plane services are a joint initiative of SDP and MAF for Western Province.
Watch the inspiring float plane video below: