By GINNAH MINI
THE Department of Works and Highways has launched the Contractor Capacity Development Program. an initiative by the government to strengthen the domestic construction industry and create a pathway for Papua New Guinea contractors to grow and succeed.
The program was launched by Minister for Works and Highways, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, during the Construction and Contractors Conference held in APEC Haus in Port Moresby yesterday.
The Minister highlighted the three key pillars of this program:
Contractor Classification and Graduation Framework.
Under this pillar contractors are categorized into four levels from Category A, Entry Level undertaking minor work to Category D, delivering major infrastructure which is according to their capability, experience and financial capability.
Skills Development and Capacity Building
DoWH will provide training programs to ensure that PNG Contractors develop their technical competency and professional management skills required to deliver modern infrastructure projects.
Performance Security Support Facility
The government will establish a K50 million Revolving Performance Security Support Facility to assist eligible PNG contractors access performance bonds and financial guarantees required to secure larger funds.
Mr Tsiamalili said that the K50 million is not a grant, it is a controlled financial mechanism to unlock opportunities while ensuring accountability.
“Funds will be managed under strict eligibility criteria, approval process monitoring and procedures, and reporting requirements to ensure responsible use of public resource.”
The Minister emphasized that the initiative would strengthen the domestic construction industry and enable more PNG Contractors to participate in infrastructure development, create employment opportunities to citizens in the country, and it will retain a greater share of infrastructure, investment within the national economy.
Mr Tsiamalili called for working together through partnership to build an ecosystem that supports contractors growth and
strengthened infrastructure delivery system.
The launching of the program reflected the Government’s commitment to empowering PNG businesses, creating jobs and building a strong national economy.