Parkop: Precinct to bring commercial, economic benefits

NATIONAL Capital District Governor Powes Parkop says the inclusion of the Harbourside precinct will add to the commercial, economic, infrastructure and social life of downtown Port Moresby.
Parkop noted this during the ground breaking ceremony of Steamships Trading Company’s K250 million Harbourside precinct yesterday.
“When we made the decision to move the port away from here (Downtown) to Motukea, it gave us the challenge to recreate life here: economic, social, entertainment, cultural and everything,” he said.
“It’s a challenge but also an opportunity.”
Parkop acknowledged the support and partnership from the national government as well as the private sector.
“We, as the provincial government, cannot do this on our own. We have been partnering with the national government for the last eight years to improve the city especially infrastructure-wise.
“We cannot do this without the private sector.”
Steamships managing director Michael Scantlebury said the project was expected to be completed by May 2022.
“It is a three-year project and we will be watching it very carefully.”
Scantlebury said they were not only investing in property, but had a significant new development: the Highlander Hotel, conference facility, and were also investing in logistics, vehicle and vessels.
“This represents a significant vote of confidence for the future of PNG by the board of Steamships.
“This project also represents a significant compliment to Governor Parkop’s view of ‘Amazing Port Moresby’.”
He said the project would be something to be proud of and represented a new frontier of property development in Port Moresby.
Prime Minister James Marape, who officiated at the ceremony, acknowledged Steamships for its active presence and contribution to the country’s development.
He assured Steamships and other investors that their continual presence in the country would not go in vain.
“Our new group of leadership, we are in the business of mobilising resources, harnessing resources, mobilising partners who are in the business of growing the economy,” Marape said.
“And we continue to escalate the trajectory of our economy.”
The project is a partnership between Steamships Trading Company and the PNG Sustainable Development Programme.
The principal contractor is the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) PNG Ltd with other contractors involved.
The project is earmarked to provide a new tower comprising 21 levels, 88 prime residential units, retails and commercial spaces, 330 car parks and pedestrian access to Harbourside East and West.