Firm stages talks with stakeholders

THE contractor appointed to redevelop the Manus naval base has concluded discussions with the provincial government on engaging community support for the project.
The discussions were held in Lorengau by Hornibrook NGI Ltd chairman Mal Lewis, director Francis Awesa, Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin, administrator Oka Nungi, the Los Negros LLG president and provincial administration officials.
This was the first contractor with mostly PNG-owned equity, having discussions with the provincial government and leaders from the project impact areas.
Lewis said realising the size of the new infrastructure project, his company had committed to working with the Manus people in impacted communities.
He said the meeting was to forge a closer relationship with stakeholders and clarify issues related to the project.
Lewis said a positive understanding was key to future engagements in the areas of business, project and infrastructure development and spin-off businesses that would emanate from the next phases of the construction of the naval base.
Governor Benjamin thanked the company officials for taking the initiative in spearheading the discussions.
Benjamin said his people were still wary of major projects after having been left out of the asylum seekers project between the PNG and Australian governments.
He thanked the company for involving the people saying the project would not receive local support unless his people were meaningfully involved.
Lewis said the initial discussions had set the course for meaningful dialogues and engagement during the progress and construction of the project.