Upgrade of Alotau wharf to start next year: Official

THE upgrade of the Alotau wharf will start in the first quarter of next year following a signed contract between the Climate Change and Development Authority (CCDA) and the Alotau government on Thursday.
CCDA acting managing director William Lakain said after a feasibility study was carried out in 2016, it was revealed that the 53-year-old Alotau wharf was in a state of disrepair and was vulnerable to the adverse weather, especially the rises in sea levels and storm surges.
He said a US$5 million (about K17.5 million) additional funding had been sourced for the building resilience of climate change (BRCC) programme through the strategic climate fund-pilot programme for climate resilience.
Lakain said the funding had been made available by the Australian government.
Alotau wharf will become a model climate proof marine structure with climate proofing design features and to provide insights for the development of climate resilient building codes and design standards at the national level.
Lakain said the improved wharf facilities would serve an estimated 200 registered boat owners and about 2,500 dinghy or operators.