K1.5bil for ports facelift

AUSTRALIA is helping to deliver a significant A$620 million (about K1.5 billion) ports upgrade package to Papua New Guinea, says Australian high commissioner John Feakes.
Speaking at a gathering in Port Moresby recently, Feakes said: “The project will upgrade and refurbish priority ports identified by the PNG government, including Kimbe, Kavieng, Oro Bay, Daru and Lae.”
He said Australia’s support would improve connectivity in the region which would in return bring economic and social benefits to PNG and its people.
Feakes added that Australia has recognised the transformative effort that reliable energy can have for PNG.
“Australia is collaborating with New Zealand, Japan, United States and PNG under the PNG’s electrification partnership to support the PNG government’s ambitions of significantly extending electricity access across this nation,” he said.
He said Australia has also supported PNG’s vision by providing critical improvement to the Ramu and Port Moresby electricity grids.
“For example, our repairs to the Ramu and Rouna hydropower stations have reinstated more than 30 megawatts of reliable renewable energy to PNG’s two main power electricity grids,” he said.
“Beyond Ramu and Port Moresby grants, we’ve constructed PNG’s two first solar farms in Aitape and in Arawa with more in the pipeline.”
Feakes added that telecommunications also remained a focus for Australia’s infrastructure programme in PNG.
“Our investment in the Coral Sea cable has supported significant improvements in internet speeds in PNG but we are prepared to do more if asked,” he said.
He added that private sector was a key stakeholder in the growing economy.
“The private sector, if the settings are right, can adjust flexibly and quickly to changing market demand and act as the engine room for economic growth,” he said.
“The commercial imperative drives competition and creates more affordable prices and choices for communities.”
He said Small-Medium-Enterprises played a vital role across the country to create employment, improve livelihoods and bolster prosperity.