By MIRIAM MALAWA
Mobile Works Limited, a local construction company, has garnered praise and admiration for its exceptional performance in delivering the highly-anticipated K117 million mega-road infrastructure project from 9-Mile to 14-Mile in Port Moresby.
The company’s achievement was recognised by Prime Minister James Marape, NCD Governor Powes Parkop, Moresby North-East MP John Kaupa, and NCD City Manager Ravu Frank, who commended Mobile Works for their dedication, expertise and groundbreaking contributions to the development of Papua New Guinea.
During the road opening ceremony on Monday, Mobile Works Limited was presented with a distinguished performance rating certificate, showcasing their exemplary capabilities and commitment.
With an impressive 3.5-star rating, Mobile Works stood out among its peers despite being a newcomer in the construction industry.
Their outstanding performance sets a high standard for locally-owned companies in PNG, inspiring others to strive for excellence.
Marape congratulated Mobile Works and highlighted their success as a testament to the potential and capabilities of local contractors.
He said their achievements have defied expectations and demonstrated that Papua New Guineans can rise to the challenge and contribute to the development of their country.
Marape said the company’s ability to deliver the project within the agreed timeline and budget showcased their commitment to the “Take back PNG” initiative, encouraging local participation and ownership in nation-building efforts.
“Today is a warm moment in my heart, where a local contractor has proven all odds wrong that they (local contractors) too can raise up to the challenge,” he said.
“‘Take back PNG’ is all about Papua New Guineans participating where they can to contribute to setting the course of the country.
“At the time when the contracts where issued, we did ground breaking and you stepped out and you stepped up and you delivered.
“Let me, from an outset pay, respect to what many thought was an unworthy contractor but two years on you proved — not for your own company but more importantly — for Papua New Guineans contractors who want to do the job that we can do it, you can do it and you have done it and I just want to say thank you very much.”
Parkop praised Mobile Works for showcasing their expertise and capacity in road construction, citing their completion of the Taurama bypass project as evidence of their capabilities.
He said the company gained the trust of NCDC through their exemplary work and commitment to completing tasks within budget and record time.
Mobile Works’ track record of delivering projects in various locations has solidified their reputation and earned the confidence of key stakeholders.
“I would like to place on record — Prime Minister and all our stakeholders — for the first time I believe in PNG one local company at that time not very visible, not very well known, but we put our trust in them,” Parkop said.
“Prime Minister, if you’re going down to the Taurama beach you should know that the connection bypassing the Taurama Barracks was not possible without Mobile Works — they did it.”
Mobile Works Project Manager Linsy Embiten said not only is the company nationally-own, but the management team from the executive level down to the general labour are all nationals.
“We have young engineers, surveyors and supervisors — graduates from our universities — who contributed to build this road and I would like to acknowledge them,” he said.
The completion of the mega four-lane road from 9-Mile to 14-Mile not only demonstrates the civil works firm’s technical expertise but also signifies their ability to undertake and execute multi-million Kina projects in Port Moresby and across Papua New Guinea.
