Manus free trade zone gets K15mil

THE Government has allocated K15 million for the free trade zone in Manus, Planning Minister Richard Maru says.
Maru told Manus Governor Charlie Benjamin and Parliament yesterday: “I’m happy to tell Parliament and the governor that we have allocated K15 million in the budget to work on the free trade zone.
“Tender is already out for the design and feasibility studies to be carried out on the wharf at N’Drauke.
“It will soon be closed and they will evaluate and very soon the tender will be awarded and once the study is over, I will take it to Cabinet to have formal approval to proceed with this project.
“Work has already started and I will inform Parliament and you will be informed.”
He said the project was being managed by the Transport Ministry and his department and the same went for the wharf in Kikori, Wewak and Vanimo.
“All tenders have gone out and were closed and we will be awarding soon, including Manus.
“In relation to the road from Lorengau to West Coast, we have communicated with the Works Department for the costing so that we will feature it in the budget next year and the next four years.
“Our government is committed and work will begin next year.”