Somare queries Games plans

 By MALUM NALU

FORMER Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare doubts that all facilities will be ready for the Pacific Games in Port Moresby in July, urging Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko to “tell us the truth”.

Sir Michael told Parliament yesterday, in a supplementary question to Tkatchenko, that contrary to what the minister’s assurance that facilities would be ready, “nothing is ready yet”. 

“Today, the minister (Tkatchenko) tells us things will be ready by July. We have only four months to go before the Games begin.” 

I have seen nothing with my eyes that nothing is ready yet,” he said.

“I have lived in Port Moresby for over 50 years, starting as a young teacher. And I can say that facilities for these games will not be ready.

“You (Tkatchenko) say the Games will happen in July. We want to promote and support you. But it looks like the contracts will not be completed.”

Sir Michael said he had nothing against Tkatchenko.

“But tell us the truth, don’t be afraid of us,” he said.

He said the country started planning for the 2015 Games six years ago.

“But six years ago, we had no money. Now, we have the LNG project. And it is as if money is falling to the ground.

“And we say that we will build this stadium. If we want to build a stadium, plan for it properly.

“We should upgrade the present facilities we have for the Pacific Games.

“In 1969, we had nothing, but we hosted a South Pacific Games.”

Sir Michael suggested to Tkatchenko that if the nation was not ready to host the Games, it should be deferred.

“It looks as if nothing is ready yet – not even the swimming pool,” he said.

Sir Michael said while driving to town yesterday morning, the new stadium at Konedobu looked as if it would take another 18 months to complete.