Funding woes threaten to block sewerage works

By MALUM NALU
WORK on the K369 million Port Moresby sewerage system upgrade may be halted if counter-funding from the government is inadequate, Kumul Consolidated Holdings managing director Thomas Abe says.
He sounded the warning after visiting the joint PNG-Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) funded project at Joyce Bay in Moresby South.
Abe said the PNG government would contribute 45 per cent (K120mil) while Jica would pay 55 per cent of the total project cost.
“It is possible that the contractor would stop work in 2018,” he said.
“Funding from the project’s trust fund was diverted to other projects — unfortunately. But we are keen to complete it on time and are in consultation with treasury and national planning.”
Abe said the project was 57 per cent done and was on schedule.
The project scope comprises new sewer mains, pumping stations and a sewage treatment plant at Joyce Bay.