For generations, starting a small business in a remote lake community was nearly impossible, with week-long treks through the jungle to get supplies. Now, with the arrival of the MAF floatplane, locals see new opportunities and are ready to take flight.
Story by Aquila Matit
It has always been a dream of Emmah Samika to set up a trade store – or small shop – in Maka, her community on the banks of Lake Murray, in Western Province of Papua New Guinea.
“Without an aircraft, we would have to walk to Aiambak and then to Kiunga through the jungles and then back again.
“It is difficult to bring store goods along this distance. It takes us a week, or even two weeks if there are children walking,” she said.
A new service from an amphibious MAF aircraft is now overcoming logistical challenges and ensures reliable supply lines for people like Emmah.
The enterprising mother of five now has a plan to obtain the stock she needs to start selling goods and supporting her family financially.
“It is now easy for us to start a trade store business because we have the floatplane here to serve us. We are happy. We don’t want to walk anymore.
“Previously, only a few have been selling and have earned an income, but this never continued because of how difficult it was over time,” she said.
“I have travelled to Kiunga to sort out my children’s schooling and then return to Maka on the floatplane. I will use this as an opportunity to get my selling supplies and return. I plan to start small with a few goods, such as a few noodles boxes and other food items, which will help me pay for my children’s school fees.”
Locals from other lake communities have already started trade stores and ventured into small business opportunities to assist towards their everyday needs.
Samson Doah, a resident of Usukof community and a bank agent in Lake Murray, said he had seen locals earning an income through the floatplane service.
“People can start businesses. I have used the floatplane to travel to and from Kiunga for work. Locals have received money from us, have paid for their freight costs and ventured into selling fish in Kiunga. Others have flown to Kiunga, bought goods and have returned by floatplane to run their small trade stores,” said Samson.
“The fact that locals have trade stores is a blessing to the community. We can now eat rice, which we buy after eating sago for a very long time. We can buy soap to wash and many other things.”
“It was my first time to get on the floatplane from Maka,” Emmah said. “We went to Boboa station, Miwa and Magi Popo and then we arrived in Kiunga. I see a lot of people on the lake with the same goal of doing business and that is great.”
“I want to serve my people. I am happy that my dream can come true,” said Emmah.
I want to serve my people. I am happy that my dream can come true
The floatplane project is a joint initiative of Sustainable Development Program (SDP) and MAF for Western Province. SDP initiated and funded the floatplane project, which was officially launched in late 2024. The floatplane aims to enhance regional connectivity and the reach of service delivery, ensuring primary healthcare, second-chance education and nutritious foods reach isolated communities. In response to this development, local tradespeople like Emmah are taking advantage, making roundtrips to buy supplies in nearby towns that they can sell back at home.
MAF’s aviation expertise is helping SDP deliver its programs and long-lasting benefits for the people of Western Province. The SDP-MAF partnership is transforming lives and delivering lasting benefits in Western Province.