Police stand guard as airport fence goes up

Press, 23 July 1986, Page 29

Police stand guard as airport fence goes up

PA Auckland Western Samoa’s Faleolo airport is now under 24-hour police guard to stop squatters from breaking down fences and moving on to the runway. A new fence is being built after parts of an old fence were cut and a herd of donkeys made its way on to the runway. A Polynesian Airlines Boeing 737 recently crashed into the donkeys while making a night landing. During daylight 60 policemen have been assigned to protect airport workers stringing up a boundary fence aimed at stopping animals and people from entering airport property.

At night smaller police patrols keep watch on the fence to make sure it is not interfered with. Western Samoa’s airport authority chief executive, Mr Noel

Lomas, ordered the airport closed to night flying after the near disaster with the Boeing 737. He said airport staff have since shot six donkeys and two horses which have strayed on to the runway. The night ban on flying would not be lifted “until we are certain we have secured the place.” The squatters are in dispute with the Government over land taken for runway extensions. In recent weeks they have been moving on to airport property and have attempted to start gardens on land bordering the runway. Mr Lomas said the 3km-long, three-strand barbed wire fence being erected under police guard was a temporary measure until a more substantial fence, to be built with New Zealand aid money, could be erected.