Claims of rise in cost of roadworks refuted

THE Institute of Engineers PNG is refuting claims in Parliament by Works Minister Michael Nali about the contents of its president’s presentation regarding inflated costs for some roads.
The organisation’s president Brian Alois’ presentation to a National Planning Summit in Lae recently included a report of some absorbent costs of roads which raised a few eyebrows.
He was suspended from his job as Works and Implementation Mamose regional manager for his report.
IEPNG board director Finkewe Zurenuoc and chief executive officer Benedict Mick clarified this at a press conference in Port Moresby yesterday: “The minister said in Parliament that Brian Alois claimed roads could be built K140,000 was not accurate.
“This was just an example of a road that he built in 2003 in his presentation. Also contrary to what minister said, Brian Alois was not involved in the four-lane road project from Lae 1-Mile to the Bulolo turnoff.
The regional Department of Works was not involved in this and at that time Brian was doing his Masters in Japan.
“We request that the facts be produced so that a comparative assessment can be made to justify the claims by the minister that Alois lied or made false claims during his presentation. We are also asking for Works Secretary David Wereh, to come clear on Brian’s suspension as Works and Implementation Mamose regional manager due to his presentation.
“He did this in his capacity as IEPNG president and any issues with the presentation should be taken up with IEPNG. If the basis for his suspension was the presentation then he should be reinstated as he was speaking for IEPNG and not for DoW.”