Lakeba airstrip opens
THE construction of the airstrip on Lakeba, Lau cost $80,000 and was opened by Governor-General Sir Robert Foster in the early 1970s.
An article published in The Fiji Times on July 24 1972 said the airstrip on Lakeba was also the first airfield in Fiji’s outer islands.
It was officially opened by Sir Foster at Tubou Village.
The 3500ft strip, with paved runway of 2500ft, was built by the Public Works Department.
The report added that a further $10,000 was spent on a road linking the airport at Tubou with the main administrative, medical and communications centre for central and eastern Lau Group.
Tubou is also the birthplace of Fiji’s Prime Minister Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, who also held the title of Tui Lau.
Ratu Mara and Adi Lady Lala met Sir Robert and Lady Foster when they alighted from the Fiji Air Services Islander.
A full Fijian ceremony of welcome was performed after the arrival of the plane.
At the small terminal building was where Sir Robert cut a ceremonial ribbon while a shelter was also erected for the official guests.
Schoolchildren and villagers were excited on this day and lined the reception area where three aircraft, which had brought the official party and visitors from Nausori, were drawn up.
The Governor-General said the Lakeba airstrip, with others planned by the government, would help to link Fiji’s scattered populations.
The strips would help in swift communication during emergencies and would enable those living far from the main islands to share in the growth and development of the tourist industry if they wished to venture into it.