Wharf projects on track: Abe

By MALUM NALU
THE construction of the Port Moresby Motukea international wharf is on budget and expected to be completed by November, says Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director Thomas Abe.
He also said the Lae Port Development Project-Tidal Basin was ready for port operations.
Abe said the completion of Motukea and Lae ports would improve operational costs with the modern facilities such as the cranes to facilitate the quick turnaround time of ships.
He visited both sites to familiarise himself with projects under KCH’s direct oversight plus projects by State-Owned Entities.
Abe said the Port Moresby project was undertaken immediately after the relocation of the Port Moresby Fairfax Harbour across to Motukea.
“The new wharf facility will comprise a new international wharf of conventional dead weight tonnage, 35m by 240m wharf and container terminal, two quay cranes to be installed at the wharf quay face, and a causeway linking to the Papa-Lealea Road.
“The new wharf will also have water, telecommunication and electricity connected to have it ready for operation.
“The project is managed and executed by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd and Curtain Brothers Ltd as the main contractor.”
He said defects in the new Lae wharf had been identified and rectified by the contractor at its own expense.
“The project has outstanding works which will be completed when funding becomes available,” he said.