Port ‘bomb’ was a gas bottle

A BOMB scare in Kavieng, New Ireland, this week, was reportedly caused by an old gas bottle dug up in the Kavieng port area, according to the PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports).
This week a construction company engaged by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports) to carry out geotechnical surveying work for the K112 million upgrade of the Kavieng port, unearthed the old gas cylinder.
Suspecting it to be a World War II bomb, PNG Ports, as part of its health and safety regulation, temporarily suspended all construction works to allow PNG Defence Force bomb disposal specialists from Port Moresby assess the threat.
“Since the New Guinea Islands was a battleground of World War 2, war relics and ammunition are often found,” acting chief executive officer Rodney Begley said.
“We (PNG Ports) treat the discovery of such items as a safety threat of the highest level.
“The hazard area was cordoned off as it is PNG Ports’ priority to keep everyone safe and maintain a safe working environment for all port users and stakeholders.”
Begley said the port continued to operate normally while investigations were pending, and PNG Ports worked closely with the bomb disposal specialists in their assessment and advice on the measures to take to avoid compromising the safety of workers, the port users, contractors and people living next to the area.
“PNG Ports will continue with the upgrade works and going forward, contractors have been advised to report such matters immediately for safety purposes,” he said.
Begley added that PNG Ports also acknowledged Puma Energy for its cooperation and support during the exercise and the object in question was safely removed without incident or harm.
The Kavieng port, is one of 15 sea ports owned and operated by PNG Ports.
All ports will be undergoing major rehabilitation works over the next few years.
The bomb scare resulted in Puma Energy PNG Ltd having to close its operations this week as it was discovered near their farm tank facility.