Polye: Local content needed in reconstruction of highway

LOCAL construction companies will be given priority in reconstructing the Highlands Highway.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Works and Transport Don Polye gave the assurance when addressing ministers, private sector representatives and members of the media yesterday in parliament when receiving the Highlands Highway repair, upgrade and maintenance report from developers of the country’s multi-billion-kina liquefied natural gas project, ExxonMobil.
Polye said “local content” would not be left out when reconstructing the Highlands Highway.
“I know work will be done properly but, my fear is, we might lose that national content,” he said.
He explained that local content was about local participation in the construction of the road network.
He said although an experienced construction company, with the capability and capacity would spearhead the project, sub-contracts would be given to PNG-owned businesses so that the local people could participate in the development meaningfully.
The deputy prime minister also agreed that at least 30% of the stake should be given to local contractors.
Polye said local businesses had not participated in past projects and development because they lacked the technical know-how and capacity to undertake such projects.
He did not hide the fact that there would be landowner issues which, he said, would be covered in the reconstruction plan. 
He further warned that if landowners wanted compensation, they should not cry for services from the government.
“How can they cry for services and, at the same time, ask for compensation? This is ridiculous,” Polye added.