The Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs (DPLGA) today presented K500, 000 to the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) during the 4th Inter-Agency Border Development Coordination Committee (IABDCC) meeting at the DPLGA Head Office in Port Moresby.
The funding will support maintenance work on the Administration Buildings at the Wutung PNG–Indonesia Border Post.
The cheque was formally received by Alois Atbo, First Assistant Secretary for the Rural Infrastructure Program Division of the Department of Works and Highways.
The presentation was witnessed by members of the Inter-Agency Border Development Working Committee, which was recently established to coordinate and deliver critical infrastructure development at the Wutung Border Post.
The administration building houses several key government agencies, including the PNG Customs Service, Immigration and Citizenship Services Authority (ICSA), Department of Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs, National Agriculture Quarantine and Inspection Authority (NAQIA), and the Royal PNG Constabulary (RPNGC).
In addition to the building maintenance, key utility upgrades at the border facilities have been completed. The long-awaited water project has finally been connected to surrounding communities after decades of delay. Two spare generators have also been repaired and are now providing reliable electricity supply to the border facilities.
Discussions are also advancing on the proposed off-grid power supply from PLN Indonesia to provide a sustainable energy source for Wutung villages and border facilities.
The Inter-Agency Border Development Coordination Committee continues to play a crucial role in coordinating preparations for the official opening of the Wutung Border Post, bringing together key government agencies including the PNG Customs Service, Immigration and Citizenship Authority, NAQIA, Department of Works and Highways, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of National Planning and Monitoring, PNG Defence Force, Royal PNG Constabulary, and the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).