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K9million mining training centre under construction in Wau

By SAMPSON BONAI
A NEW K9 million European Union funded mining training centre is under construction in Wau, Morobe province, and is expected to be completed next month.
Small scale mining branch mining engineer Justin Edimani said the institution was erected purposely to train artisanal and small scale miners in PNG to improve their technical knowledge and management skills on small scale mining activities.
The projects is funded by European Union’s EDF programme for PNG under the Mining Sector Support Programme (MSSP) at a cost of K9 million.
The next one will be built at Paiyam in Porgera, Enga province, and the third at Aitape in Sandaun province.
Hornibrooks Limited building project manager Jacob Kanawi said work on the mining training centre started in February and it was expected to be completed by next month.
Hornibrooks Ltd won the contract and Pacific Architects Consortium (PAC) was awarded the design and supervision contract.
“We have been working seven days a week and I’m pleased with the progress of the work so far and thank the local people of Wau for their cooperation and support in seeing one of the first projects to be undertaken in their area this year,” Mr Kanawi said.
A total of seven buildings will be erected on the old golf course at the back of the existing small scale mining office in Wau, which will include two 16-man and woman dormitories.
A classroom, administration block, workshop and laboratory building, twin duplex for the staff, kitchen and messing hall and toilets.
The centre will be handed over to the Department of Mining after completion.