Border facility ready to be opened

 BORDER Development Authority executive chairman Fred Konga has brushed aside West Sepik provincial administrator Henry Norm’s reports that they were neglecting the Border Office complex.

“We have completed the facility and on Feb 13  there was a joint visit to the site by myself, acting Secretary of Lands Luther Sipison, the Indonesian head of Border Management and International Cooperation Board  member Suzana Wanggai and  Indonesian audit director Made Shuarji,” Konga said.

“We had also inspected the construction progress of the Indonesian border administration complex and also the Border Peace Monument which will soon to be opened.”

Norm had told the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari, government ministers, departmental heads and foreign diplomats during the Leadership Summit in Port Moresby last week that the complex was covered in shrubs. 

Konga said that it was unfortunate what Norm had to say as he was misguided.

“There is a National Executive Council submission before NEC to nominate a suitable time for the Government to facilitate the opening,” he said.

“BDA has now brought to the attention of the executive government that the border management facility is fully furnished and well equipped for the opening.”

The Asian Development Bank funded the construction of the complex under a K90 million border trade and investment programme.