Banz league field to get major upgrade

By JAMES APA GUMUNO
THE rundown Banz rugby league field in Jiwaka, Western Highlands, will receive a major facelift making it possible to host large events.
North Waghi district administration under local MP Benjamin Mul presented a cheque for K299,000  yesterday to the Niugini Builders to fence the field and build a grandstand.
District administrator John Kumie said it was an initiative by Mul to develop the field and allow youths to engage in sports.
Kumie said the  fence had been vandalised  with locals removing corrugated iron sheeting for their own use.
He added the youth had also turned to consuming homebrew and engaging in other illegal activities.
When he was Banz rugby league president in 1996, Kumie said competitions like the intercity cup and zone trials drew large crowds and it was important to revive the interest from the local community
He  said Mul was eager to address these problems and ensure the youth engaged in sporting activities.
It was also part of the MP’s contribution towards infrastructure development in Jiwaka.
He said a 1.5m mesh wire fence would be erected to keep spectators from the playing field.
The grandstand will include dressing rooms for the players, toilets and ablution facilities.
Niugini Builders managing director John Buri said the fencing work would start today with work on the grandstand to begin as soon as plans were finalised.
He said work on the grandstand would begin in August after building plans were completed and materials gathered.