Marape guarantees local contractors in road projects
Prime Minister James Marape visited Parita Junction in the Nipa Kutubu District a day after locals staged a peaceful protest ahead of the Poroma Kutubu Access Road launch last Wednesday at Pimaga Government Station.
Addressing a large crowd, the Prime Minister urged the community to work closely with the contractor for the K370 million road sealing project. He assured locals that the Department of Works would closely monitor the project and make sure the 40 percent local content requirement is followed, allowing local contractors to take part as sub-contractors.
“The Department of Works will supervise the engagement of local contractors working under the main principal contractor [China Rail Construction Engineering] as a means of nurturing local businesses in our country.
“The Pangu Government is committed to enabling more Papua New Guineans to participate in business,” PM Marape said.
He also noted that National Monitoring Authority Chief Executive Officer David Wereh, who signed the Poroma-Kutubu Access Road agreement, joined him on the visit. Mr Wereh will carry out regular site inspections to ensure both construction quality and the government’s local content policy are met.
Community leader and businessman Charles Andaiyo, who organised last week’s peaceful protest, thanked the Prime Minister for taking time to visit the area.
Mr Andaiyo said the Poroma people have maintained and protected the road for many years, and their call for stronger government involvement reflects their commitment to development and their desire to be recognised.
He added that the 23 tribes living along the Poroma-Kutubu Access Road corridor have established two local companies- Portiland Construction Limited and Peripi Development Corporation - which have been responsible for maintaining the road over the years under an agreement formed at the start of the project.
