State, board agree to redevelop PRL

 THE Papua New Guinea Sports Foundation and Port Moresby Rugby League board have signed  a deal for the K171 million redevelopment of Lloyd Robson Oval, in Boroko.

Now the PRL caretakers will be Oil Search Ltd, which will manage, operate and ensure the facility is self-sustaining.

Witnessing the signing was Sports Minister Justin Tkatchenko, Lands and Physical Planning Secretary Rommy Kila-Pat, PRL board members and Sports Foundation deputy chairman, Godfrey Seeto.

The funding made available by the O’Neill Government links with the private-public partnership for an international standard multipurpose stadium.

Tkatchenko said the National Executive Council last week approved the release of funding for the redevelopment of PRL.

He said the first phase would be a 15,000 capacity stadium, with space for 5,000 more people in the second phase.

Tkatchenko praised the close consultation and understanding with the Lands and Physical Planning Department to acquire all sporting facilities to come under one title and then sub-leased.