HELIPORT OPENS ON CROATIAN DRVENIK MALI ISLAND

( Editorial: --> 7146 ) DRVENIK MALI, Oct 9 (Hina) - A heliport was officially opened on the least settled island in the Split-Dalmatian County on Friday. The island of Drvenik Mali is some nine miles from Trogir (central Adriatic coast). The opening completes a project to establish a heliport network on Split-Dalmatian County islands with the aim of realising a unified medical emergency service. The heliport was constructed with the assistance of the county office for labour, health and social welfare, the Croatian Airforce, the town leadership in Trogir, and several other sponsors. Drvenik Mali is one of the most scenic islands while at the same time it is one of the most underdeveloped in the county. This was the reason behind the huge immigration of the local population. Of the remaining population, some 100 residents, the majority are elderly. The construction of the heliport represents an improvement in health protection for local residents and possible development of the tourist industry as well as creating conditions for possible returns of local residents. All the populated islands within the Split-Dalmatian county waters - Brac, Hvar, Vis, Solta, Drvenik Veli and as of today, Drvenik Mali, have their own heliports. (Hina) sp /ab 091532 MET oct 98