MEDIA RELEASE
An important news release from PNG Ports Corporation Limited

05 December 2011

This was made possible through a recent Project Funding Agreement signing ceremony to work in partnership in the construction of a new Approach Trestle for Daru Port. The funding provided by PNGSDP is at the cost of K10,492,000.00 for construction work and K360,000.00 for the project management feeds under a separate agreement.

The trestle and the wharf head was original built in 1964 but has not been in operation since 2008 due to severe deterioration to the trestle structure.

To ensure its social and economic obligations to the people of Western Province, PNGSDP made a commitment to assist PNGPCL in providing funding for the design and implementation phase of the wharf trestle repairs project. There is also an undertaking between both companies to facilitate ongoing maintenance of the port infrastructure consistent with PNGPCL’s community service obligation and minimum regulatory service requirements.

The existing Daru Approach Trestle is comprised of a concrete deck supported on steel piles and beams. It is 190 meters long and 3 meters wide with a vehicular passing bay located approximately halfway on the trestle.

The contract has been awarded to Curtain Brothers and work is expected to commence this month.  Curtain Brothers was previously responsible for the rehabilitation of the Daru Port Causeway in 2009.

The project will include the demolition of the entire existing Approach Trestle and construction of a new trestle which will also have an increased loading capacity.

PNGPCL is thankful to PNGSDP for providing funding assistance to carry out the re-design of the approach trestle which was carried out by Cardno (PNG) Limited. Cardno Ltd was also awarded the Project Management consultancy contract to supervise the construction of the trestle.

PNGPCL Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jerome Peniasi thanked the PNGSDP CEO, Mr. David Sode, his Management and the Board of PNGSDP for their financial assistance and partnership in providing the support to carry out this significant project to drive the future economic growth and development of Western Province and hence increasing public welfare and the overall well being of the people of PNG and especially Western Province going forward.
Mr. Peniasi said PNG Ports is currently undergoing a significant phase of infrastructure rehabilitation across its network of ports and PNGPSD’s financial assistance further complements the Corporation’s objective.

For more information, please contact:
the.editor@pngports.com.pg