Red tape at fault

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The National, Thursday 11th April, 2013

By HENRY MORABANG

THE government bureaucracy is a major stumbling block in the construction of venues and infrastructure for the 2015 Pacific Games in Port Moresby, Justin Tkatchenko says.

Tkatchenko, the Minister for Sports and 2015 Pacific Games, said the Pacific Games Authority faced a great challenge with the red tape in the government system in its bid to deliver the best Games in 2015. He said the greatest hurdle to progress was the ‘bureaucratic process’, which had stalled paperwork and final documentation.

“We have had to work extra hard to ensure that all the details of the preparation and construction of projects are all accounted for,” he said. 

“The slow process, however, in which paper work and approvals are finally given the clearance have become a major hurdle for the authority.”

He said the process had been a constant hindrance despite Prime Minister Peter O’Neill issuing an edict to all ministerial and department heads that the Games must have their full cooperation.
“Failure is not an option, we will continue to forge ahead to ensure that we deliver these Games, and that they are a success,” Tkatchenko said.
Demolition work was supposed to start for the major projects beginning with the new Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Complex. 
“The contract for the preparation of site has been awarded to Global Construction and is now awaiting approval from Central Supplies and Tenders Board.
The Sir John Guise Stadium, Games Village and the Rita Flynn netball courts are awaiting the same approvals.  The groundbreaking ceremony for the Pacific Games village is expected next week.