By ORCHY REX
NKW Catering Limited has been awarded the contract to provide catering and hospitality services for the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) in the Southern Region, following the signing of a major agreement with the State today at Government House.
The National Executive Council (NEC) approved a total contract value of K126,537,530.94 to be fully funded by the Government through the Department of Defence.
Governor General effected the contract (signed on behalf of the state) Hari John Akipe as the head of the implementing agency signed as witness.
Deputy Chief of Defence Brigadier General Opa Lari described the contract as a vital step toward maintaining the welfare of soldiers under the PNGDF.
“As soldiers, one of our main responsibilities is to have them fed, sheltered and clothed, and I think this is a very important contract for us,” Brig Gen Lari said.
He explained that the Defence Department previously had a catering contract in place with IPI Group of Companies, but challenges faced during the renewal process led to the decision to diversify service providers.
“We’ve had a contract in place with IPI Group of Companies on the occasion of the renewal of their contract, but because of some of the challenges we’ve had, the Defence Department decided to offer contracts to more than one catering company,” he said.
“This was one of the reasons why we leave out IPI Group, but when they are ready, we will sign a contract with them also.”