The newly refurbished Garrison Engineer Compound at Murray Barracks in Port Moresby has been opened.
The project was delivered jointly by the PNG Australian defense forces over three years and highlights the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.
The project provides a much-needed secure facility for the Murray Barracks Garrison Engineers to store important infrastructure equipment, tools and materials.
The Garrison Engineers build and conduct maintenance at Murray Barracks, supporting the PNGDF Headquarters, Joint Operations Branch and Force Support Battalion, which are crucial to the effective operation of the PNGDF.
The Garrison Engineers also build and maintain the housing facilities for PNGDF personnel, and their families based in Port Moresby, including the Air Transport Wing, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Pacific Islands Regiment (the infantry battalion of the PNGDF), the Force Support Battalion, PNGDF Headquarters personnel and maritime personnel based at HMPNGS Basilisk.
The project involved the refurbishment of office spaces, removal of over 80 cubic meters of waste and the erection of security fencing and compounds for each of the garrison engineers who support the vital infrastructure of the PNGDF and their families.
PNGDF Support Commander Colonel John Giregire said: “I would like to see this model of infrastructure and ‘self-help’ that has been completed in Murray Barracks duplicated to other PNGDF Barracks.”
PNGDF Sargent Martin Nelson, Garrison Engineer, said:
“This project has boosted morale and means everyone wants to come to work and has the tools to do the job… For the youth, we need to build their skills, and this place means we can do that.”
The new facilities also enable further joint initiatives between the PNGDF Garrison Engineers and local vocational apprenticeship programs, such as the Badili Vocational Training Centre, and Urban Youth Employment Project.
These provide opportunities for valuable trade experience while delivering infrastructure projects, contributing to nation building and supporting employment for PNG youth.