Wharf vital to growth

 THE Lae Tidal Basin Project Phase 1 development has contributed immensely to the national economy, contractor China Harbour Engineerng Company (CHEC) says.

It said the contribution to the economy was not only from the operation of the port but also from employment and spin-off businesses in Lae city and the local communities.

CHEC labour manager Fetues Simpson said the company offered more than 2000 jobs to locals during the construction period. 

Of this figure, more than 100 were engineers, more than 300 were skilled operators and welders and more than 1000 were unskilled workers.

Simpson said at the peak of the construction phase in 2013-2014, the company employed more than 900 local skilled and unskilled workers.

“There are more than 100 national employees who served with CHEC for more than three years,” Simpson said. 

“This not only improves and enhances economic prosperity for local individuals, entrepreneurs and business in Papua New Guinea thus promoting sustainable growth in the country, but helps alleviate poverty by increasing income generating opportunity for majority of Papua New Guineans.”

The implementation of the project has also improved the living conditions around the project site and enhanced the livelihood of the local communities. 

Community leader Felix Sanga said: “China Harbour has a very strong sense of service enterprises, and the surrounding residents get along well with the company, China Harbour also helps to repair the roads and build market to facilitate our life and establish the garbage recycling station and pay great attention to protect the ecological environment. 

“Every holiday, China Harbour donates some of the goods and celebrates with us.

“I think that China Harbour not only provides us with jobs, but also change the traffic and life in our village and I believe that our future will be better.” 

Many materials and tools required for the construction stage were bought from Lae companies, which received tangible benefits from CHEC.  

PNG Taiheiyo Cement Limited managing director Takashi Watanabe said: “China Harbour often buys cement from our company, it brings us great economic benefits and we are very happy to cooperate with China Harbour.”  

Express Freight Lae branch manager Daniel Simpson said: “China Harbour often keep its words, the payments are received always on time. 

“We never thought the construction of Lae Port can bring benefits to our business but it is real now. 

Lae-based FTM Construction said China Harbour was focused on business cooperation and paid great attention to technical management.

“They are highly efficient and professional.”

China Harbour Engineering Company said with strong support from local subcontractors and business partners, communities, government agencies, the Lae Tidal Basin Phase I was completed on time and within budget in December 2014.