Prime Minister stranded in Wewak

The country's Prime Minister, James Marape, was left stranded at the Boram Airport for almost three hours today.

NBC News was reliably informed that the National Government owned Kumul,was scheduled to depart Wewak for Mount Hagen after midday today, but could not do so because of some technical issues with the plane.

NBC News was told that the plane could not take off after three attempts, but eventually managed to lift off on the fourth attempt after 3:30pm.

Prime Minister Marape was in the East Sepik Province since yesterday, (Thursday) to officiate at some important projects in the three Districts of Maprik, Yangoru Saussia and Angoram, before flying out this afternoon.

Attempts by NBC News to get comments from the National Flag Carrier on the cause of the delay were unsuccessful.