Airstrip open again
Rumginae strip was first opened in the 1960s but underwent several closures in subsequent years. Stephen Charlesworth was the first MAF pilot back there in 1999 after one closure. Before it was built, MAF used bases at Tari and Kawito to serve Rumginae.
Too dangerous
Recently, the Rumginae strip has been closed for over 1¼ years after several small incidents proved that the surface was consistently too boggy and slippery. The Hospital applied for Sustainable Development Project funding, and received some money but it was insufficient to complete the repairs and the strip fell idle.
Months later, Chris Mattinson, friend of the Bottrells, was suggested as someone who could help. He was a missionary for a long time in Irian Jaya flying with MAF and had built airstrips there. He now lives in Manjimup, WA, (a country town 300 kms south of Perth).
Final repairs…
With local help from the Youth and Women’s Groups, and other hired workers, Chris was able to complete the remaining work in just two weeks. Enthusiasm was high and many people from the community came to help, including the kids!
First landing!
It was a much anticipated day when Luke Newell and Markus Bischoff
landed in Rumginae in P2-MFM. After 1 year 4 months and 16 days of closure, MAF can now fly patients to and from Rumginae directly again, without them having to endure 45 minutes on a rough dirt road.
We praise God for sending Chris Mattinson to help finish work that began last year, so that the Rumginae Hospital can continue more effectively the vital work they do for communities in the region.