ENB approves project plans

THE Kokopo-Rabaul infrastructure development project has been approved by the East New Britain government.
Governor Nakikus Konga said the project would receive funding from the Japanese government.
Konga explained that the infrastructure project was a partnership with the Government and Japan, and covered three districts – Kokopo, Rabaul and Gazelle.
He said the project would run from Kokopo’s Bitapaka local level government (LLG) to the Kokopo-Vunamami urban LLG right through the Raluana LLG and to the Gazelle’s Toma-Vunadidir LLG.
Konga said the proposed regional infrastructure plan was targeted to be completed by 2032.
“The formulation of the plan is governed and guided by the sections of the Physical Planning Act, and through the Oriental Consultants Global Ltd, with 21 tasks outlined for the technical team to follow when formulating this plan,” he said.
“Japan is the right donor partner for this project given it is a disaster prone-nation such as PNG and more, especially East New Britain.”
Konga said the project was important for the province because it would enable ENB’s public servants to gain technical expertise from the Japanese government through the transfer of skills and knowledge during the course of the project’s roll-out.
He thanked the Japanese government and people for their support towards development in the province.
Pomio MP Elias Kapavore said the project was long overdue and urged the provincial government and its administration to facilitate the project.
He said he hoped the province’s health sector was included in the project.
Kapavore commended the provincial government for its focus on bringing development to his district.