Gjoa Haven (Aug 04/03) - Gjoa Haven is suffering without good maintenance equipment for roads, airport, and building sites, says Mayor Peter Akkikungnaq.

"We have about five houses to build, and no gravel," he said. "It's causing a delay. We don't have any equipment running in our community."

The hamlet can't build a breakwater needed to save their small boats in the harbour from being tossed around and damaged by large waves.

At issue are two front-end loaders, two bulldozers, and a dump truck. All are 25 years old or more, unreliable, or worn out.

The lack of equipment is seriously crippling the community's growth, Akkikungnaq said.

"We want new equipment that will last," Akkikungnaq said, "not the one that breaks down two weeks later."

The hamlet applied to Atuqtuarvik Corporation in Rankin Inlet for a $1 million loan for new equipment "that won't break down," the mayor said.

The corporation provides loans of $100,000 and over to Inuit-owned businesses in Nunavut.

Gjoa Haven has been waiting since February, but has not heard anything positive from the corporation about when they might get the help they need.

"I'm frustrated more than anybody, I think," the mayor said.

Ken Toner, president and CEO of Atuqtuarvik, was out of town and unavailable for comment by News North's Thursday deadline.

Akkikungnaq said he calls the corporation "every 10 days or so."

He laments that corporation officials keep breaking their promises about meeting them.

"We were hoping to hear from them by June," he said. "But unfortunately it's taken this long. They haven't gotten to us yet. Now we're late on the barge. I'm starting to feel left out."