Complex work begins

 By WENDY KATUSELE

WORK on the Sir John Guise stadium indoor complex will start early next month.

The K63 million refurbishment exercise for a multi-purpose indoor complex with a 2000-seat capacity will be carried out by Phoenix Builders Limited. Minister for Sports and 2015 Pacific Games, Justin Tkatchenko yesterday challenged the construction company to complete the job on time.

“Get it done on time and ready for 2015,” Tkatchenko said.

Minister Tkatchenko said this is one of the major contract awarded by the national government following a tedious process carried out by the Central Suppliers and Tenders Board.

The renovations will include replacement of:

• leaking roof
• upgrade seating, change rooms, toilets and showers
• upgrade of offices and meeting rooms
• new indoor floor
• new squash court floor
• provision of TV, commentary, media centre, camera platforms
• refurbishment of external building features
• upgrade of all services to the building

He said the final major contract will soon be announced to start work on the Rita Flynn Courts next month.

Minister Tkatchenko said the stadium will be renovated to  international standard to enable PNG to host international events.

“We have a big task ahead of us, we must ensure the job is completed on time for PNG to deliver the Games on July 4 next year,” Tkatchenko said. 

The Port Moresby South MP said all offices housed at the indoor stadium have until next week to move so work starts immediately. 

With 16 months left, the country will experience the biggest infrastructure development in sports in the country with the K1.1 billion ear marked for the Games.

He said this funding also includes the Sports Enhancement Programme and Go for Gold programmes for our athletes to win gold on home soil.