K1bil for ports upgrade

By GYNNIE KERO
AUSTRALIA wants to deliver high-quality infrastructure for PNG, create jobs and up-skill local people, says Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp.
His government yesterday announced a K1.1 billion (US$300 million) financial support to enhance and upgrade all maritime infrastructure owned and operated by PNG Ports.
Philp signed a deal with State Enterprises Minister William Duma and PNG Ports chairman Kepas Wali in Port Moresby yesterday, signalling Australia’s commitment to developing PNG’s maritime infrastructure sector.
He said Australia was happy to strengthen PNG’s maritime infrastructure to facilitate trade and support national development.
Prime Minister James Marape, who also attended the event, said PNG had asked Australia to support the renewal and upgrading of its ports.
Duma thanked Australia for focusing on local jobs and local business participation in any investment it funded.
“The foundations of most of our ports were built during the colonial and Pacific War era by the Australians, and it is appropriate that we now come together to jointly collaborate to plan for the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure,” he said. Philp said the 30-year ports infrastructure master plan provided an “excellent opportunity and platform through which Australia can help support infrastructure development aspirations of PNG”. Wali acknowledged the commitment and support of the board and management of PNG Ports in ensuring that any work, should they be financed by Australia, would be undertaken in a transparent and high quality manner. He welcomed the opportunity for PNG Ports to develop a funding proposal for work that will modernise its ports to benefit the people.