MAJOR infrastructure upgrades at Moem Barracks in Wewak are improving essential services for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) while creating jobs and training opportunities for local workers.
Delivered through the Australia-Papua New Guinea Defence Cooperation Program, the works are modernising critical infrastructure that supports the central operations precinct of the PNGDF 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment.
Australian Defence Force (ADF) project supervisor, Warrant Officer Class Two Matthew Pfingst, said the upgrades would strengthen the barracks’ long-term capability while providing benefits to the local community.
“This base hasn’t had a secure water supply or sewer network for a number of years, and these upgrades will provide that vital secure water supply,” said WO2 Pfingst.
“We have been using civilian contractors to do some of these works in order to increase the capacity and experience of the local workforce and also to inject money and jobs into the area.”
As part of the project, upgrades to the ageing water systems and fire network are being undertaken, including the installation of about five kilometres of new pipeline.
Site supervisor, Sergeant Troy Roseman, said the project builds on a long-standing partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“Australia originally built these barracks, and the work we are doing here continues to build on that relationship,” Sgt Roseman said.
“Coming back and doing the maintenance and building new infrastructure helps maintain and continue that relationship.”
Local PNG companies are also delivering key components of the project. Southern Cross Pumps Foreman Demas Towalaun said working alongside ADF personnel had helped develop the skills of local employees.
“Working with ADF has been really helpful,” Mr Towalaun said.
“It gives us the opportunity to work with people above our skill level, and for the local workers it becomes a learning stage for them, to put their hands on deck and learn how to build things like tanks.”
The upgrades demonstrate Australia’s ongoing commitment to supporting Papua New Guinea’s defence capability, infrastructure development and Pacific-led security priorities.
They also reflect the strength of the PNG-Australia Alliance, a long-standing partnership built on shared security, economic cooperation and strong people-to-people links between both nations.