K78mil needed for work on Games

By PATRICIA KEAMO
ABOUT K78 million is needed to complete the construction of facilities that will be used in the eighth Papua New Guinea Games in Southern Highlands next year, an official says.
Responding to questions from The National, host organising committee chairman Sape Molumi said since 2019, the main sources of funding were the national Government and the Southern Highlands government.
“Since 2019, K25 million has so far been released by the national government while the provincial government has so far allocated K12 million,” he said.
“K1.5 million was given to a contractor to procure materials for the stadium.
“Due to uncertainties caused by the Coronavirus (Covid-19), corporate houses have not come forward as sponsors.
“We need about K78 million as per our budget.
“With next year’s budget and support from our provincial government, we should be able to complete the work.”
When asked about an estimated date of completion, Molumi said it would depend on the availability of funding.
“If all goes well, by March or April, everything should be completed,” he said.
“All materials are on site, it’s just a matter of getting things done.
“For the construction of the main stadium, we have already erected the steel structure, we’re working on the walls, electrical wiring and plumbing, among other things. It will be a 4,000-seat stadium with surrounding bleachers, so we’ll have about a 10,000-seat capacity.”
Other facilities under construction in Southern Highlands apart from the main stadium with synthetic tracks are the Tente rugby field, Kagua mini soccer stadium, Nipa basketball courts and other courts. When asked if the council would move the date forward if the facilities were completed by March or April, PNG Games Council chairman and PNG Sports Foundation chief executive Albert Veratau said it would be unlikely, given the general election.
“We can’t have two major events happening at the same time, so we’ll have to wait till the end of the year for the Games, even if the facilities are ready by March or April,” he said.