Airport job contract signed

The National Main Stories

By LUKE KAMA
MOMOTE in Manus will be upgraded to an international airport at the cost of K100 million.
A contract agreement for the project was signed between the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the contractor China Harbour Engineering Company (PNG) Limited (CHEC) in Port Moresby yesterday.
NAC chairman Reuben Aila said despite financial constraints and challenges the Government was facing, key infrastructure developments continued to take place around the country to open new opportunities.
“This is a great infrastructure and we acknowledge the continuous support of the Asian Development Bank, who is also a great partner in this country, especially in supporting developments in our airports,” Aila said.
“All the formalities have been concluded and now we are at this stage of signing.  It’s a great pleasure on behalf of my board that China Harbour has been awarded the contract.”
He urged CHEC to deliver the project on time within the budget and at minimal cost.
“It’s about a K100 million contract to totally upgrade the Momote Airport,” he said.
“And it will surely create a lot of opportunities. China Harbour must make sure to give priority and opportunities to our local entrepreneurs and contractors to also participate in this project.
“Our government pushes the national content plan and that is very critical and China Harbour must take heed.”
CHEC general manager Ma Jianhua while giving the assurance to deliver the project at minimal cost with equal participation by locals thanked the Government and  NAC.
“CHEC is a state-owned enterprise, owned by the Chinese government,” Jianhua said.
“We came to PNG in 2012, and so far so good.
“We built the Lae port, Girua Airport, roads in Port Moresby and we are very grateful to contribute to infrastructure developments in PNG.
“We have delivered Girua Airport in the Northern Province and we are confident to deliver Momote Airport on time and budget.”
He said CHEC continued to promote and encourage strong partnership with local contractors and would ensure local contractors participated.
The K100 million project will start in Jan 2017 and is expected to be completed by June 2018.