Wewak port can expand: PNG Ports

 THE Wewak port in East Sepik has shown considerable potential for growth, PNG Ports chief executive officer Stanley Alphonse says.

The port is among seven community service obligations that the company plans for further extension.

Alphonse told The National that in view of the Government’s long-term development plans, and the anticipation of economic growth in industries in each provincial port, PNG Ports had undertaken to develop a 20-year master plan, of which Wewak port is part of. 

He said the Wewak port had shown considerable potential for growth. 

Three options have been considered:

• To expand the existing port by dredging to the east of the existing causeway and reclaiming across the reed flat to the west;
• An alternative port site at Cape Moem has also been looked into. Cape Moem is about six kilometres from the existing port; and
• A possible alternative port at Dogreto Bay which is about 20 kilometres west of the existing port. PNG Ports is liaising with the Department of Transport on it.

Alphonse said the cost of the above projects would depend on the outcomes of site investigations including geo-technical investigation, hydrographic surveys and land acquisition costs. 

“PNGCPL may be looking at costs ranging from K300million to K500 million,” he said. 

“There is no confirmed date of commencement of work. We are currently working on starting some initial works for Wewak port within the year. However, this will very much depend on the Government’s budget appropriation.”