Students and teachers from Gawa Primary and Secondary School in the Reef Islands have taken the lead in voluntarily cleaning up Lomlom Airport, following the recent suspension of flight services due to safety concerns. The clean-up was carried out free of charge, with no payment requested or expected.
This community-led effort was initiated after Solomon Airlines announced the immediate suspension of all flights to Lomlom Airport, citing significant overgrowth along the runway that rendered the airstrip non-compliant with aviation safety standards.
Deputy Principal of Gawa Secondary School, Mr. Richard Bapo, said the closure has serious consequences for communities across Temotu Province, particularly with Lata Airport also temporarily closed for upgrades.
