All systems go

 By HENRY MORABANG

THE first phase of demolition at the Taurama Leisure Centre started on Monday to make way for the construction of a multi-million kina state-of-the-art Taurama Aquatic Centre and Indoor Complex for the 2015 Pacific Games. 

The contractor, Global Construction, started clearing tall grass in front of the building and seats by the roadside before demolishing work can begin. 

Minister for Sports and 2015 Pacific Games Justin Tkatchenko said the demolition and preparation of site work was awarded to Global Construction. 

However, the actual work is now awaiting the official letter of offer from the Central Supplies and Tenders Board for the work to begin. 

The Sir John Guise Stadium, Games Village and the Rita Flynn Netball Courts are awaiting the same process, having already been awarded. 

The much publicised groundbreaking ceremony at the University of Papua New Guinea Games Village is expected in the next week.

Tkatchencko said the greatest hurdle for progress had been the bureaucratic process in the government system, which had stalled a lot of the paperwork and final documentations for Games projects.

“We have had to work extra hard to ensure that all the fine details of the preparation and construction of projects are all accounted for. The slow process however in which paper work, decisions and approvals are finally given the clearance has become a major hurdle for the Authority,” Tkatchenko said.

Despite a directive from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill issued to all ministerial and department heads that the Games were of ‘national importance’ and needed the full cooperation of all stakeholders. Many statutory bodies have not acted with urgency in their approach.rn to Page 66