MINISTER for Defence and Member for Pomio Elias Kapavore has officially opened the new Susi Bridge at Malakur in Central Pomio Local Level Government, calling on locals to make full use of the infrastructure.
The 50-metre Bailey bridge was officially opened on Thursday, August 6. It was constructed at a cost of about K9 million, funded by the Pomio District Development Authority (DDA), with assistance from the Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) and the National Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) through the Connect PNG Program.
Minister Kapavore thanked the local community for supporting the project and for taking care of the machinery and equipment used during construction.
“The challenge now is for you to fully utilise this bridge; how do you get the most out of it?” Minister Kapavore said.
He urged locals to increase the production of cash crops, harvest more fish and transport their produce to Palmalmal town using the newly constructed bridge.
“Work hard and buy more PMVs and drive on this bridge. Use this bridge to generate revenue for yourselves and your families,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of the PNG Defence Force team accompanying Minister Kapavore used the opportunity to conduct awareness with people in Central Pomio about the proposed Jacquinot Bay Forward Operating Base (FOB).
Chief of PNG Defence Force Capability, Captain (Navy) Willie Galia, told the people that the PNGDF is a force for the people and is responsible for protecting the country’s land and maritime borders.
“The Jacquinot Bay FOB was proposed in 2018, but no action had been taken until late July this year,” Captain Galia said.
“There are other such bases planned for the Army and naval elements around the country.
“For the maritime element, we have also begun work to establish one in Alotau.”
Captain Galia said the bases would enable the PNGDF to effectively patrol the country’s waters, noting that the force currently has only two naval bases—one in Manus in the north and another in Port Moresby in the south.
Minister Kapavore said the Defence team had already identified Wunung in Central Pomio LLG as the proposed site for the base.
He said the Pomio DDA Board would table the Defence team’s proposal and make a resolution before seeking endorsement from the East New Britain Provincial Executive Board.
“With that endorsement, we will work with the landowners to acquire the land for the State so that the PNGDF can begin development of the base,” Minister Kapavore said.