Atharm wharf rehabilitation set to boost economy

THE Atharm wharf rehabilitation project is expected to boost economic development in Rabaul, East New Britain.
The project aims to improve accessibility and convenience of wharf services, bringing crucial goods and services to residents.
Acting administrator Freddy Lemeki commended the district infrastructure team for the rollout of such vital projects.
Lemeki highlighted that improved efficiency would contribute to heightened economic activities in the area.
The Atharm wharf is the gateway to the once-renowned “Pearl of the Pacific”, Rabaul, and will be a facelift for the town.
Rabaul has witnessed an increase in visits by cruise ships and the renovated wharf is expected to attract more tourists, boosting the local and provincial economy.
Rabaul engineer Mellie Munulai said accumulation of sediment and silt near the wharf had gradually reduced its depth, impeding vessel movement.
Munulai said dredging would help maintain navigability by removing obstructions, allowing ships to access the wharf, ensuring smooth transportation of goods.
The project will go through two development phases, through contractors, Daveline Engineers and Marbil Enterprise Ltd.
The first phase involves drainage and silt trap enhancement, along with concrete works, spearheaded by Daveline.
Meanwhile, Marbil Enterprise Limited is responsible for the second phase, which includes mechanical dredging and training.
In addition to improving navigability, the rehabilitation project aims to optimise port operations by accommodating larger vessels.
Munulai said facilitating port operations would enable efficient loading and unloading of cargo, allowing larger ships to utilise the wharf.