Aitape wharf redevelopment expected to revive regional trade

The redevelopment of Aitape Wharf is expected to restore an important maritime link for trade, business and the movement of essential goods in the middle Sepik area.

The National Government has officially launched the redevelopment project, which is expected to strengthen Aitape's role as a transport and commercial centre for coastal and inland communities

The project is expected to restore the wharf's capacity to handle cargo and support the movement of goods and passengers, following the collapse of its main structure in February 2021.

Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, who officiated at the launch, described the redevelopment as a government priority.
“Your Member (Anderson Mise) has been fighting for this project. Once it is complete, Aitape will thrive as an economical hub for this part of the country,” Rosso said.

Built in 1972 and refurbished in 1990, Aitape Wharf played an important role in connecting communities to markets and essential supplies. Its operations supported local businesses and helped facilitate the movement of goods between Aitape and other centres.

The loss of the wharf has created challenges for cargo transportation, with goods now having to travel by road between Aitape and Wewak. The journey can take approximately three to five hours each way, while flooding at river crossings can further disrupt road transport.

Moreover, the economic potential of the redevelopment extends beyond the wharf itself.
PNG Ports Corporation estimates that the redeveloped facility could handle approximately 25,000 tonnes of cargo annually and support around K101 million in regional economic activity each year.

These projections highlight the potential contribution of the port to trade and business. However, the K101 million figure represents estimated regional economic activity associated with the facility, and not the gross domestic product of Aitape town.

Improved maritime transport could provide better opportunities for farmers, fishermen, traders and other local producers to move their products to markets.

Aitape-Lumi MP Anderson Mise has been involved in efforts to progress the redevelopment, which is expected to provide long-term benefits for the district.

“We are connecting our farmers to markets, we are connecting our fisherman to buyers, we are connecting the people. The district will benefit from this,” said Mise.

The planned works include a new main wharf and mooring structure, rehabilitation of the access trestle and small-ship wharf, and the installation of new equipment to support vessel docking.

The project is being funded through PNG Ports Corporation, at the cost of K22-K25million with China Harbour Engineering Company as the contractor.

Minister for State-Owned Enterprises William Duma has called on the people of Aitape-Lumi to take an active interest in the project and its implementation.

The redevelopment is expected to take 12 months, although the construction commencement and completion dates should be confirmed by the relevant authorities.

For Aitape, the project represents an opportunity to restore a key piece of transport infrastructure and strengthen the town's connection to regional trade.