NEC approves information link

THE National Executive Council has approved the service agreement for the Integrated Government Information System (IGIS) network.
This will enable Huawei Technologies Ltd of China to develop IGIS for Papua New Guinea in collaboration with Telikom (PNG) Ltd.
Acting Prime Minister Don Polye said following the agreement, Huawei Technologies Ltd had been contracted to develop the communication network at the cost of US$53 million (K142.4 million).
Polye said due diligence had been carried out by the Department of Communication and Information and the Central Supply & Tenders Board to endorse technical clearance for Huawei Technologies.
He said the Department of Communication and Information received a total of K19 million through the 2009 development budget for the next five years for preparatory work on IGIS.
“So far, K5 million of that amount was utilised in 2009 to assist the Department for Community Development to upgrade and streamline its civil registration process and prepare it for hosting of the IGIS,” he said.
Polye said a further K5 million was allocated this year for the development of the government internet portal and computer centre at the Department of Communication and Information and the balance of K9 million was still available to carry out IGIS related work.
He said IGIS would roll out communication infrastructure and services to the remote and rural people.
“Our rural population will appreciate the improved communication because they will have easier and quicker access to development and other information that will enable them to make informed decisions on improving their lives,” Polye said.