Contracts open to all

 SERVICE and construction contracts to expand accommodation and amenities at the Manus Regional Processing Centre worth millions of kina are open to Australian and PNG companies.

Companies from the two countries were urged to tender contracts for the work at the trade forum in Cairns this week, the PNG Industry News reported.

Sub-contract and supply opportunities include fuel management, vehicle supply, waste removal, power generation, generator hire and structural steel supply.

Others exist for recruitment, pest control, perimeter fencing and security services, the report said.

Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection, Offshore Detention and Returns Task Group first assistant secretary Ken Douglas said a lot had been achieved in a short space of time.

“We’ve explained to people how much business has been generated by the centre (Manus Regional Processing Centre) and how many employment opportunities have been offered and taken up,” he said.

“During April, we purchased goods and services such as food, logistics and supplies, and general consumables to the value of K2 million each week.” 

“There is quite a programme of works. About 70% of the work packages at East Lorengau have been awarded but very few of the work packages at Lombrum have been awarded. 

“That’s a fairly major project to build more long-stay accommodation for the workers. We need to expand the range of amenities available for the transferees living at the centre – that includes gyms, reading rooms, libraries, internet facilities and playing fields. And we also need to build a much bigger kitchen.

“It’s up in the scores of millions of kina for that construction work. And there are opportunities for both Papua New Guinea and Australian businesses. 

“The key issue for us in all our procurement is value for money,” he said.

Douglas said contracts with service providers required the department to increase the employment of locals.

PNG-based companies providing goods and services to the centre include Manus Transport & Logistics, Spic N Span, Total Food Network, InterOil, Digicel and Agility.