A team from the Sohe District Administration, led by local MP and Sohe District Development Authority (DDA) Chairman, Henry Jons Amuli, conducted an inspection of building materials being prepared for a series of major infrastructure projects in the district.
The inspection was carried out at Atlas Steel PNG and Dicos Steel Materials Suppliers and was joined by Acting District CEO Mr. Albert Bogembo, District Finance Manager Mr. John Liam, contractors, and other district officials.
The building materials inspected are for the following priority projects:
- Four-in-One Double Classroom and Administration Office for Kokoda High School – K1 million
- Kokoda Police Barracks and Ablution Block – K1 million
- Magurie Community Health Aid Post – K500,000
- Solar lights for Sohe Rural Housing Scheme – K1 million
The inspection confirmed that preparation of the building materials is almost 80 per cent complete. An initial 50 per cent payment has already been made to the contractors. Following the inspection, the remaining payments will be released to suppliers to prepare for shipment of the materials to Oro Bay, and then onward to respective project sites for construction.
Mr Amuli expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prudent and accountable management of District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) funds.
“While the need for service delivery in Sohe is huge, the resources available to government are limited. The little DSIP funds we receive from the National Government must be put to effective use to deliver maximum benefit for our people. Under my leadership, Sohe DDA is ensuring that every kina is spent wisely to achieve value for money. Our priority focus remains on critical services – schools, health, roads, and law and order – to improve the quality of life for our constituents,” he said.
The inspected projects form part of Sohe DDA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen education, health, and law and order services, while also improving community safety through renewable energy initiatives.
Acting Sohe District CEO Mr Bogembo commended Mr Amuli and the Sohe DDA board members for approving crucial infrastructure projects and the administration team will ensure the approved projects are delivered effectively and efficiently.
“With the inspections done now. We will ensure the balance of payments are done to the suppliers and the contractors for the building materials to be shipped to Sohe and projects are delivered on the ground as intended,” he said.