CONSTRUCTION will begin on the multi-billion kina world- class Pacific Pearl Casino Hotel on Port Moresby’s Paga Hill in October this year.
An exciting and historical agreement was signed at Stanley Hotel on Friday, the 28th of May between the PNG National Gaming and Control Board and the Paga Hill Development Company (PHDL) paving way for the first phase of construction of the Casino.
Chief Executive Officer of Paga Hill Development Company (PHDC) Mr Gudmundur Fridriksson announced at the signing ceremony that the Casino and the planned special economic zone will bring US$250 million (over K1 billion) through 400,000 tourists into PNG.
Mr Fridriksson thanked the Marape-Basil government for the support and confidence shown in his company to be involved in the development.
Mr Fridrikson is a business leader with over 30 years’ experience in managing major projects in PNG, Europe, China, Hong Kong and Australia with vision to develop the world class master planned estate on Paga Hill
He said Parliament passed the bill for the Paga Hill Estate Development to develop the first economic zone in PNG, in March last year.
“We will ensure that we do this right. We will bring in the best international operator to run the Casino. Providing quality service is ethical. We want the biggest benefits to go to Papua New Guineans. It is a massive milestone for us. We are grateful to the Gaming Board and the government for the continuous support they give us,” Mr Fridriksson said.
He added that PNG needs to diversify its economy through marketing tourism. From his calculations he said over 300 cruise ships pass through PNG Waters each year. The Casino and Economic Zone will attract and bring in 80 of the cruise ships when the PHDC begins its operations in 18 months’ time.
“PNG food, culture and artefacts will be showcased by the 21 provinces in the 4.6 hectares. The war museum will be restored for the tourists to visit and celebrate PNG’s role in World war 2. PNG played a big role in WW2 assisting the allies. Tourists can visit the museum see PNG cultures showcased, taste the different PNG foods, visit fishermen island or surrounding villages.
“One of the key components is a casino and duty-free shops.
“We are providing land and together the Gaming Board and Paga Hill Company will identify an operator to run the Casino. We will ensure that we do this right,” Mr Fridriksson said.
The Acting CEO of PNG National Gaming and Control Board Imelda Agon said the idea of the Casino has been on the radar of the Gaming Board over the last eight years.
She said the country has the correct vision and with the support by the newly appointed Chairman Clement Kanau, the dream has become a reality.
“It will create a lot of opportunities and benefits for Papua New Guinea, it will create SME opportunities for PNG, so we are excited. This has been our dream that has become a reality and I congratulate the chairman Clemence Kanau to ensure the dream has become a reality.”
Chairman of the Gaming and Control Board Mr Kanau said he was excited about the Paga Hill development.
“I want to create employment for PNG. In terms of our tourists, local and international tourists coming in to play in the Casino, direct and indirect employment will be created.
“The Special Economic Zone will be prioritized within the city. SME businesses will be participating in this massive employment. With the building of the casino, I am optimistic to see employment in the construction industry booming. Paga Hill Development Company will make this dream become a reality,” Mr Kanau said.
An iconic feature of the Paga Hill development is the cable car travelling from the waterfront promenade to the mid and high levels of Paga Hill. Tourists will be able to access the War Museum while having panoramic views of the Coral Sea out to Fishermen Island and beyond, and the Port Moresby coastline. Residents will be able to travel from the upper and mid-level residential towers to the waterfront, retail mall to access restaurants, bars, water activities and promenade walks.
The development comprises a world class residential, commercial as well as cultural elements that form a tourism city in the heart of Port Moresby.
What about our health,education,roads and the list goes on..this is totally a waist,we just gonna face many problem..Clear example of a failed , blind and greedy government…
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