Wewak port foreshore protection project completed

Wewak Port is now better protected against rising sea levels and intensified storm surges following the successful completion of the Wewak Port Foreshore Protection Project in East Sepik Province.

The project, part of PNG Ports Corporation’s broader foreshore protection program, was funded internally and aims to safeguard critical maritime infrastructure from the growing impacts of climate change.

PNG Ports Chief Executive Officer Neil Papenfus said the completed works included the installation of gabion baskets, palisade fencing, concrete reinforcements, and the construction of a new stormwater drainage system.

Papenfus said the crucial project will provide a barrier to protect port infrastructure and help prevent the potential closure of port operations, damage to existing infrastructure, and the loss of shorefront land.

The project involved two sections of foreshore protection walls; one measuring 60 meters on the western end of the port and another 150 meters on the eastern side at a combined value of K1.2 million.

Papenfus added that this K10 million investment reflects PNG Ports’ broader commitment to building safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure to meet the present and future demands of the maritime industry.

The foreshore protection program complements other major initiatives funded by international partners including the Agence Francaise de Development [AFD], the European Union, and the Australian Government.

These projects focus on incorporating climate and seismic resilience into the country’s port infrastructure upgrades.