Pacific Tenders Magazine Issue 4 by Pacifictenders

THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

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Published by Adkonect PNG PO Box 1954 Port Moresby, PNG www.adkonect.com.pg

COVER STORY 8

‘Project of the Decade’

DOW Connect PNG policy 2020-2040-budget review held

Founder Publisher Mr. Rodney Rupokets rodney@pacifictenders.com Business and Marketing Director Ms. Namoi Kaluae

The Connect PNG Policy 2020-2040 was recently accorded special focus during the launching of the Department of Works (DOW) National Road Network Strategy in 2019

Editors Mr. Douglas Saefoa (Solomon Islands) Mr. Jason Som Kaut (PNG) Contributing Writers Mr. David Spring (Sydney, Australia)

Advertising Enquiries

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contact@pacifictenders.com sorbie.valen@gmail.com www.pacifictenders.com S.I (+677 38229) PNG (+675 75971524) PNG (+675 75923057)

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES email: media@adkonect.com.sb or dsaefoa@rocketmail.com PNG CONTACT In Country Marketing/Advertising Mr. Sorbie Pandiruo

What is Connect PNG?

OVERVIEW - Financing Plan - Infrastructure Development Plan - Stakeholders - Economic Corridors - Implementation Plan - Way Forward

Emergency Bridge Repairs in Makira Ulawa Province Completed Powering Port Moresby

COMMISSIONED late last year, the NiuPower project outside Port Moresby has already assisted PNG Power Limited with load demands for electricity in Port Moresby.

IN FOCUS with David Spring 20

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Distribution PT-Magazine is distributed via a Digital Copy accessed from the Pacifictenders. com Platform reaching all PT Subscriber Companies and Printed Copies Distributed to Government Agencies, Hotels, Retail and Hardware Supermarkets in Honiara & PortMoresby. Relying on the support of our peers in the Construction and Infrastructure sectors to help this initiative grow.

The Marpape-Steven government launched the ‘Connect PNG’ policy that includes National, Provincial and District roads throughout PNG.

COVID-19 and the Contractor

COVID-19 has been a mixed blessing for contractors

Infrastructure Management Bill

Insight into the Solomon Islands’ Infrastructure Management Bill (IMB)

Infrastructure projects progress slowly despite pandemic: PM

BCWG to Sort Standardizing Building Codes in Solomon Islands

Azimuth Surveyors Map out Barana Nature and Heritage Park Boundary

SPREP is supporting the boundary survey and mapping of the Barana nature and heritage park boundary in North West Guadalcanal

Banking on Renewable Energy in Post COVID-19 Solomon Islands

MoFT, SICCI delve into SIG Procurement system

ADB announces $31 million loan to boost road network in PNG

Companies call for ‘standards’ in Manufacturing Sector

INSIGHT 33

Australia must demand answers on Asian Development Bank funding in Papua New Guinea

Impact on female-led Pacific businesses deepens as COVID-19 takes its toll

CT scan to be commissioned next year: PM

Gaima-Genabona feeder road rehabilitation opens up in Gumine

Rail guards vital for safety of road users

Dirima aid post attains Community Health Post status with new general ward building

Pacific Games 2023 UPDATES from the Sol 2023 National Hosting Authority

Pacific Games preparations remain steady despite harsh Covid conditions

Pacific Games Facilities Committee satisfied with work progress

SINIS High Performance complex taking shape

PRC team assures timely completion of games facilities

THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Pictured in the center is David Wereh, Secretary of Works and Implementation with the DoW employees.

PROJECT OF THE DECADE Connect PNG has been described as the ‘project of the decade’

his was the description accorded by the Chairman of the Connect PNG Project Steering Committee (PSC) and Secretary for National Planning and Monitoring Mr Konney Samuel. Together with chief technical advisor and Department of Works & Implementation Secretary David Wereh, Co-Chair of the PSC who is the mastermind and the man behind the scene, the face of Connect PNG Policy 2020 – 2040. Connect PNG is the Marape – Basil Government ambitious policy to connect all of Papua New Guinea with a reliable road network to support economic growth and increase access to vital government services. It is the biggest infrastructure impact project that PNG has ever undertaken with funding allocation of K20 billion over the next 20 years. “We can’t grow the economy if there are no roads to access markets and vital services,” said Mr Samuel. Connect PNG is a sanctioned government policy aimed at connecting PNG through seven main economic corridors that include; • Wutung to East Cape • Northern Corridor – Lae to Vanimo

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• Southern Corridor – Gulf, Central to Milne Bay • Trans Highlands Corridor – Lae to Malalaua • Highlands Corridor & • New Britain Corridor These include bridges and jetties with Government intent on delivering these seven corridors in the next decade. “It is the project of the decade… mobilize resources, manpower focus on the connect PNG program and develop economic corridors so we can grow the economy,” Mr Samuel said. “Spending monies too thinly, we are not going to make an impact. We need to discuss so we spend resources where it will have the most impact,” he said. Connect PNG is one of the strategic direction sanctioned by Government in response to calls for a better road network that links people to services and markets for their agriculture produce. It will see mobilization of resources and manpower with one purpose, to Connect PNG. Other strategic directions of Government include National Road Network Strategy (NRNS) and the PNG Road (Management & Fund) Act 2020 that was passed in PNG Parliament. n

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES

DOW CONNECT PNG POLICY 2020-2040-BUGET REVIEW HELD By JASON SOM KAUT Port Moresby, PNG

The Connect PNG Policy 2020 - 2040 is an infrastructure development strategy to support connectivity of road transport corridor development to enhance growth & greater participation to become a middle income country by 2050.

he Department of Works & Implementation held a two-day Budget Review conference in late July to familiarize its Regional and Provincial Works Managers about the Government’s expectation in regards to the Departments recently approved ‘Connect PNG’ Policy. The Connect PNG Policy 2020-2040 was recently accorded special focus during the launching of the Department of Works (DOW) National Road Network Strategy in 2019 by Prime Minister James Marape, who gave the nod to give special focus to the ambitious policy. This was after his cabinet, through a submission by Works and Implementation Minister Michael Nali, CBE, CMG, MP, which the National Executive Council (NEC) approved in principal the K20 billion ‘Connect PNG’ program to develop infrastructure connectivity to all regions of PNG to promote business and an agricultural revolution in PNG. July’s Works budget review at the Laguna Hotel in Port Moresby, made aware all regional and provincial managers of the government’s expectations so that they can ‘uniformly implement the Connect PNG program’ and ensure its success. DoW Secretary David Wereh who addressed the gathering said: ‘In line with the Marape-Steven government manifesto that emphasizes that ‘no child to be left behind’’, the opportunities must be made available to all citizen’s…this is one of the strategic policies to enable everyone to participate and benefit from infrastructure development, leading to growth in our GDP.” The DOW will shortly be inviting Expression of Interest (EOI) as a first step in the implementation of these key roads. DOW is committed in ensuring growth of the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and capacity building for the SMEs to participate in development and maintenance ok key road projects in our road network throughout PNG. “Therefore the Connect PNG Policy 2020-2040 is the way forward and the Budget Review is the initial preparation internally with line managers to familiarize themselves with the department policy, central agency requirements, Government’s vision to take back PNG, donor conditions and public expectation to improve connectivity and road user experience.

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Within the next 20 years, the government will ensure the DoW Connect PNG Policy 2020-2040 is empowered through the National Road Network Strategy (NRNS) Plan connecting all regions of mainland PNG so that people will be able to drive from Vanimo to Alotau and Momase into Gulf via Menyamya/Kaintiba range separating Morobe and Gulf provinces. The NEC approved in principle a program budget of K20 billion over a 20-year period to be financed through combined financing and commitments and pledges from GoPNG, Donor and Private Funding. Cabinet also approved the Asia Development Bank (ADB) Project Readiness Loan Titled: ‘Transport Sector Preparatory Project’ for the sum of USD31 million to support DoW with front end investigations an engineering design on all the critical missing links of the network for speedy implementation of the ‘Connect PNG’ Policy. “We have received initial response by way of pledges and commitments from Donors and International Financing Institutions to the tune of USD6.8 billion to implement the ‘Connect PNG’ Strategy,” Mr Wereh said. He stated that the ‘Connect PNG’ Strategy encapsulates the vision to improve and develop enabling infrastructure comprising of public transport, energy and communication network connecting the four regions of Momase, Highlands, Southern and New Guinea Islands in the next 20 years commencing this year 2020. The strategy will boost the economic links for key economic and industrial zones for agriculture, tourism, mining and petroleum resource development. “These strategic road networks provide the critical link to enable access to economic and business opportunities for our people in rural areas across all our regions. In the medium term the Government’s plan is to open the Trans Island Highway to coincide with the 50th Independence Anniversary connecting the Momase and the Highlands into Papua Region for the first time in history. Also present at the conference was Works Minister Hon Michael Nali, who addressed department staff sharing with them the vision for the future and government expectations. n

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WHAT IS CONNECT PNG? The Connect PNG Policy 2020 – 2040 is an infrastructure development strategy to support connectivity of road transport corridor development to enhance growth and greater participation to become a middle income country by 2050. Connect PNG Project Steering Committee (PSC) is Chaired by National Planning Secretary, Deputy Chairman Works Secretary, Transport Department Secretary, State Owned Enterprice (SoE) like Telikom, PNG Power, Water PNG, PNG Dataco, DoW, Eda Ranu, PNG Ports and National Airports Corporation (NAC).

Financing Plan Financing Plan for the Connect PNG Road Transport Infrastructure Development Plan will be the biggest capital investment in the history of PNG since independence. It will require an annual capital funding of over K986 million a year, totaling to approximately K20 billion over the span of 20 years. The initiative will be made possible with a long term development strategy where our donor partners like ADB, World Bank, India Exim Bank, Chinese Exim Bank, Australia Transport Support Program (TSSP) under the Australia – PNG Partnership and the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) development aspiration are aligned with the National Government Connect PNG Strategic Road Development on foot. Funding will also be made available through the Tax Credit Scheme arrangement with Exxon Mobil, Oil Search, New Crest, PJV & Ok Tedi, are some of the additional industry players in the Connect PNG financial plan. Connect PNG Plan is stitched together on the need to build a reliable, resilient infrastructure road network to promote inclusive and sustainable growth.

Infrastructure Development Plan The infrastructure development plan is critical and approved mobilization of multi-year financing facility loans, grants and private sector financing under the multi-donor partnership arrangement. The Connect PNG Plan forms part of the comprehensive strategy to support sustainable, socio-economic development and national cohesion and unity. It leverages the nation’s infrastructure by connecting the four main regions of Momase, Highlands Southern and the New Guinea Islands through improved key national economic road transport networks. The economic corridors connectivity channels and amass the agriculture and livestock, forestry, fisheries, and non-agriculture, informal sector, small to medium based enterprises, manufacturing and tourism to create a fully integrated broad-base economic

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES

structure for PNG going forward into 2050 and beyond.

Stakeholders Connect PNG includes stakeholders’ participation, National Planning and Transport Department including the State Owned Enterprise (SoE) in the likes of PNG Power, PNG Ports, DoW, Eda Ranu, PNG Dataco, National Airports Corporation (NAC) and Telikom PNG. These Stakeholders provide energy, communication, water and sanitation and ports directly impact the productivity and growth of our countries economy and road connectivity leads the way forward.

PNG Road (Management & Fund) Act 2020 What is the purpose of the Act? • The Act replaces the outdated Road Maintenance Act 1971 and establishes a modernized road management system that will promote a road network that operates sustainably • The Act harmonizes with PNG political and administrative arrangement in regards to decentralization of road management responsibility The Government road policy has shifted to ensure that development and upkeep of the road network is essentially link to the delivery of economic and social development benefits and building of local capacity to participate in the growing of the economy. The current Road Maintenance Act 1971 is outdated which at present cannot meet the growing needs of the economy that relies on land transport system to deliver the economic, social and welfare benefits to the people of Papua New Guinea. The policy objective is to promote ownership, accountability for the upkeep of PNG Roads, and sustainable and transparent matching of the funding and delivery of road network targets within the road sub-sector. The Act will deliver the national government decentralization policy objectives to assign road authority status to all Provincial Governments, District Authorities, City, Town Authorities and private sector partners to be legally responsible for management and implementation of the 21,000km of sub-national road network other than those gazette as National Highways and National Roads. The provincial and district government’s administration takes on the role of road authorities for the roads located within their jurisdiction except for roads declared as National Roads. The Act also replaces the National Roads Authority (NRA) Act 2003 and the functions of the NRA are merged with a reconfigured DoW and Highways. This eliminates duplication of resources and responsibilities and separates the conflicting road and fund management responsibilities in our road system. The objective of the ACT is to establish a coordinated management system that will promote an integrated and sustainable land transport system to serve the 8 million people of Papua New Guinea.

Trans Island Corridor

302km

Baiyer Corridor

297km

Momase Corridor

1318km

Highlands Corridor

1086km

Gulf-Highlands Corridor

250km

Gulf-Madang Corridor

386km

New Britain Corridor

629km

Southern Corridor

880km

Trans Fly Border Corridor

795km

Sandaun Border Corridor

449km

Bouganville Corridor

400km

Northern Corridor

386km

Manus Highway

100km

Provincial Truck Road

9000km

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Refer Tables for economic corridor details and the estimated population that will benefit

Trans Island Corridor 302km

Province

District

Population

Morobe

Lae

59, 523

Bulolo

77, 232

Menyamya

68,546

Kerema

60,374

Gulf

Total Population: 265, 675

BAIYER CORRIDOR 297km

Province

District

Population

Madang

86,693

Middle Ramu Unsino Bundi

57,879 40,079

Jiwaka

Jimi

37,385

Western Highlands

Mul/Baiyer

56,686

Enga Province

Kopiam

44,332 Total Population: 323, 054

MOMASE CORRIDOR 297km

Province

District

Population

West Sepik

Vanimo Green

50,751

Aitape/Lumi

53,382

Boikin/Dagua Angoram

63,965 68,796

East Sepik

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INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES Madang

Morobe

Bogia

57,104

Sumkar

67,052

Madang

86,693

Usino-Bundi

40,079

Markham

49,362

Huon Gulf

59,523

Lae

119,178 Total Population: 715, 892

HIGHLANDS CORRIDOR 1086km

Province

District

Population

Eastern Highlands

Kainantu

91,771

Henganofi

55,768

Unggai/Bena

45,006

Goroka

71,870

Asaro/Watabung

30,960

Chuave Sina Sina/Yonggomugl

36,074 38,015

Kundiawa/Gembogl

58, 454

Kerowagi

54,850

Anglimp/South Wahgi

96,570

North Wahgi

51,843

Simbu

Jiwaka

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Western Highlands

Southern Highlands

Hela

Enga Province

Mt Hagen

86,951

Mul/Baiyer

56,686

Tambu/Nebilyer

60,823

Imbongu

60,086

Kewabi

50,799

Nipa/Kutubu

98,505

Mendi/Munihu

96,413

Komo/Magarima

64,162

Tari/Pori

52, 210

Koroba/Kopiago

69,575

Wapenamanda

53,547

Wabag

58,750

Lagaip/Porgera

91,002

Kandep

47,400 Total Population: 1,578, 090

GULF-HIGHLANDS CORRIDOR 250km

Province

District

Population

Gulf

Madang

86,693

Middle Ramu Unsino Bundi

57,879 40,079

Kagua/Erave

54,515

Kewapi

50,799

Imbonggu

60,086

Southern Highlands

Total Population: 206, 800

NEW BRITAIN CORRIDOR 269km

Province

District

Population

East New Britain

Rabaul

27,048

Gazelle Kokopo

89,776 58,345

Talasea

128,792

West New Britain

Total Population: 303, 961

Southern Corridor 880km

Province

District

Population

Gulf

Kerema

60,374

Central

Kairuku Rigo Abau

78,784 39,476 38,378

NCD

254,158

Milne Bay

Alotau

74,644 Total Population: 545,814

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INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Connect PNG Implementation Plan will develop and deliver strategic roads on a rolling implementation phased program approach. Primary target is to establish a reliable road link between Port Moresby and the main urban centers of Momase and the Highlands regions. With the existing Wau-Bulolo highway and Menyamya roads open up access to Lae City, the industrial hub of PNG by 2025 to land rock Port Moresby. Some of the implementation tasks carried out included; a) Reforming the road sub-sector to create an implementation platform for connect PNG policy which resulted in the development of the proposed PNG Road (Maintenance & Fund) Bill. b) The proposed sub-sector reforms through the Connect

PNG policy objectives will decentralize authority status to all provincial governments, districts, city and town authorities and private sector partners. WAY FORWARD Among the DoWs recommended way forward are the following, it is committed to; • Investing in an improved road network that will enable economic growth • Investing in Roads first in order to help develop economy and improve the lives of the bulk of our population through improved delivery of services • A good road network will promote the creation of employment opportunities, wealth generation and improve the competitiveness of our business and industries, nationally and internationally. • Good road infrastructure por-

trays forward planning, good leadership and it creates a sense of belonging, national cohesiveness and national unity. • Act now to address the continuous deterioration of PNGs roads, thus enabling our people and country to capitalize on development opportunities. Prime Minister James Marape when officially launching the Connect PNG program and the DoW Corporate Plan in August at the Apec Haus in Port Moresby, extended a big thank you to everyone who has and continues to work hard to deliver better roads for the people of PNG. He also extended the Governments invitation to funding agencies, donor partners and bilateral friends to buy into Connect PNG and help create better roads for a better PNG. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Emergency Bridge Repairs in Makira Ulawa Province Completed By DOUGLAS SAEFOA Honiara, Solomon Islands

fter securing the Tender contracts to repair 5 key bridges in Makira Ulawa Province Nofokava Constructions have successfully completed the project. The contract was approved by the National Transport Fund Board and financed under the National Transport Fund through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development. The contract saw the successful repair of five bridges in the Western part of Makira Province at a total cost of SBD $2.4 million. The five bridges that were repaired under the contract were: 1. Wairaha – KM 31 west of Kirakira 2. Makarima – KM 33 west of Kirakira 3. Manitawaniuhi – KM 46.3 west of Kirakira 4. Tarihu – KM 44.1 west of Kirakira 5. Aupare – KM 55.4 west of Kirakira The Emergency bridge repairs have addressed necessary connectivity issues for several communities

North Malaita Road Contract Progresses Lion Heart Limited has been awarded the contract to upgrade the 108.8km stretch of road from Gwaunaru’u in West Kwara’ae to Fouia in in theNorth in Malaita Province. The contract has progressed was awarded to civil engineering contractor Lion Heart Limited in 2019 by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development through the National Transport Fund Board. Significantly the actuation of the contract has recently reached 80% of completion. The contract was funded under the NTF budget at a contractual amount of SBD $9.55 million. Before the rehabilitation communities living along

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living outside of the urban centre at Kirakira. A statement from the NTF office said “these bridges enable safe connectivity for the people, students and the sick to reach Kira Kira, health facilities and schools. Makira is known to have regular rainfall and without these bridge repairs daily commuters cannot cross safely to reach their destinations.” The statement from NTF also noted delays in the actual timeframe of the contract attributed to delay in contractual payments and technical breakdowns of machinery. “The NTF Board approved these projects for funding and such projects are of maintenance nature. NTF continues to prioritize infrastructure projects in the provinces and reaffirmed its commitment in financing necessary infrastructure maintenance needs in the country. It also continues to align its activities with the National Development Strategy and Development Sustainable Development Goals,” the statement from the NTF said. Nofokava Construction is a locally owned civil works and engineering Company that focuses on structural Steel frame buildings, Earthworks and Civil Works such as Bridges, Wharves and Jetties and Road Constructions. The initial completion date for the project was in March 15, 2020. n

this main road which stretches through 3 different Constituencies have depended entirely on it for access to Auki and have been badly affected by its very poor road state. A statement by the National Transport fund said “the road rehabilitation should reduce the travelling time to get to Auki and its market, encourage more public transport on the road and allow people some comfort on the road trip ( 2/3 hour for some people to reach Auki or vice versa).” The NTF Board approved these projects for funding. These projects are of maintenance nature. NTF continues to prioritize and is committed to fund infrastructure maintenance needs in the country. It also continue to align its activities with the National Development Strategy and Development Sustainable Development Goals. n

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES

LEFT: The 108.8km stretch of road in Malaita Province from Gwaunaru’u in West Kwara’ae to Fouia in North Malaita. RIGHT: One of the five bridges that were repaired in Makira, Ulawa Province under the NTF funding.

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Powering Port Moresby COMMISSIONED late last year, the NiuPower project outside Port Moresby has already assisted PNG Power Limited with load demands for electricity in Port Moresby.

PT Media Port Moresby, PNG

The 58 Mega Watt project has already supplied gas fired electricity into Port Moresby after its commissioning by the Prime Minister James Marape. Since then it has been in constant engagement with PNG Power Limited. In July this year both NiuPower and PPL with their respective management teams have been working closely and that is a good sign according to NiuPower. According to NiuPower, both NiuPower and PNG Power antic-

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ipate monthly costs falling based on lower oil pricing and closely managed dispatch levels through Q3 of 2020. The company said collaboration is strengthening and focused on maximising PPL profitability both in terms of maximising fuel efficiency within NiuPower as well as broader supply optimisation. “Performance from November last year has been responsive to load demands from PNG Power. The benefit of Niu Power’s reciprocating engines is that it can respond to fluctuating demand on the Port Moresby grid. Turbine generation for example,

is less flexible. Notwithstanding plant availability at 100 per cent, challenges exist but these are being addressed collaboratively with PNG Power and Kumul Consolidated Holdings,” the company said. NiuPower said a system study has been undertaken by SMEC should inform investment in grid stability and the rehabilitation of Rouna through ADB funding should permit it to increase its contribution beyond current levels at 30MW. This should restore reliability to the Port Moresby Grid. The company’s off peak demand is 65-70MW and peak demand is

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ENERGY

NiuPower site outside Port Moresby

120MW. “Off-peak demand is adequately covered by Rouna at 30MW and PNG LNG’s contribution at 25MW with NiuPower covering the 10-25MW residual load on 2-3 engines. Peak demand is roughly 8 hours a day and NiuPower’s contribution covers any shortfall after Rouna and PNG LNG with

peaking power provided by PNG Power’s turbine at Kanudi.” NiuPower’s Operations and Maintenance (O&M) partner is Wärtsilä. Wärtsilä have assembled a strong O&M team comprising 28 workers, 5 of whom are foreigners brought in from elsewhere in Wartsila’s global portfolio. As part of NiuPower’s contri-

bution to its host communities, primary schools at Porebada, Boera, Papa-Lealea and Kido were the recipients of 1,000 reading books each, supplied by Buk Bilong Pikinini. In coming months, NiuPower will be addressing water security in our villages through the distribution of water tanks to each of the above villages. n

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IN FOCUS

THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

COVID-19 & the Contractor COVID-19 has been a mixed blessing for contractors

DAVID SPRING PT COLUMNIST Sydney, Australia

n the last issue, we outlined the ways in which various restrictions due to COVID were affecting contractors’ supply chains, staff mobilisation and equipment availability for existing contracts. We also considered whether Force Majeure clauses were applicable to the COVID-induced situation. As it turns out, few industries have been as insulated from the immediate effects of COVID-19 as the construction industry. While lockdowns and travel restrictions have decimated tourism and hospitality and has hobbled others, the construction industry in the Pacific has been able to continue. This is due to several factors. Firstly, governments see the great value to the economy in keeping the industry operational – it employs large numbers of people and support industries. Secondly, ongoing projects do not typically need the arrival of new personnel. This has provided a unique opportunity for national staff to take up lead roles. Thirdly, imports have not been as hampered as 1

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expected and contractors been able to find some work-arounds for materials and equipment supplies. Lastly, Pacific nations have remained largely COVID-free. 1 An illustration of this is in Tonga. A threeweek lockdown was imposed in late March, resulting in three weeks’ lost working time and contract extensions of time. However, as Tonga avoided the virus, most of the supply issues they faced were as a result of lockdowns in other countries, particularly New Zealand. Restricted inter-island travel made logistics for distributing materials and personnel difficult and slower. There were also delays in the receipt of testing results from outer islands, given the lack of flights and limited ability for testing staff to attend. Yet, construction work continued. Various means for remote supervision, including the step-up of local staff, have been successful. Not all have been so lucky. The construction of a new wharf in Nauru has been put on

hold indefinitely, as the Chinese contractor couldn’t mobilise personnel and the FIFO arrangements of supervisory staff could not be accommodated.

COVID EFFECTS

Initially, the popular view seemed to be that the impact of COVID would be sharp due to the lockdowns, but that once outbreaks were traced and quarantined, the broader restrictions would be lifted. This view was reinforced by the short-term nature of most governments’ stimulus packages and much talk of a “V-shaped” recovery. A trans-Tasman or Pacific travel bubble was being seriously discussed by several governments. As Pacific countries by-and-large remained COVID-free, and neighbouring countries looked to have the virus under control, this gained traction. However, as time has passed and the threat has resurged in the large countries around the Pacific (PNG, Australia, even NZ, after much early

Currently the only 9 nations in the world without an active or recorded case of COVID-19 are in the Pacific.

JUL - SEP / ISSUE 04

success), the duration of the restrictions looks to have underestimated. Thus, while ongoing projects have been largely able to find alternatives in order to continue operations, new projects may be delayed as alternatives for commencing a project where mobilisation is affected are not apparent.

that approach. Combining this typically cordial client-contractor relationship, business imperatives and the openness of clients to share the burden to get projects moving, it is clear that contractors could play a valuable role in drafting a plan to the turning of sods.

WHAT’S IN THE PIPELINE?

Each contractor has the opportunity to plan the way that work could be undertaken. The availability of personnel, supplies and equipment are integral to this. With the altered access to these, work methodologies may also need change. A number of strategies to facilitate new projects are suggested. Strengthen international relationships. For both local and international contractors, strengthening a mutual partnership will be essential to taking on large projects. Many firms already possess such relationships, and simply need to be actively and intentionally developed. Dialogue and activity towards increasing local capabilities, business opportunities, equipment availability and securing materials and consumables, will deepen confidence and reliance. Effective use of quarantine periods upon entry to countries could be improved by having established local networks. Broaden supplier base. It can be seen as a strength during normal times, to have a single but reliable supplier relationship. As became apparent in Tonga, and has played out elsewhere in the Pacific over the past few months, in a crisis, having only one source of materials supply is a construction Achilles heel. Contractors will do well to consider opening relationships with new suppliers, from a broader geographical reach. Research alternative materials and methods. It is possible that alternative materials, methods, or designs may enable construction works to begin. For projects still in the engineering design stage, offering to advise on COVID-practical construction as a design outcome would be of value. For projects in the tender stage, an alternative (if allowed) should be provided. Such an alternative may involve design options for bridge abutments, pavements, piles. It would need to be based on research of locally available aggregates, reducing reliance on imported materials such as steel, cement and bitumen. It may also be pitched as a climate resilience measure, by increasing the use of recycled materials and promoting locally-sourced materials. Engage experts to provide remote advice. To commence a construction project, with

Where will the upcoming work be? This magazine is full of information on that subject. It will include work arising from stimulus spending from national governments, large infrastructure projects planned since before the pandemic, rapid employment programs and new health facilities. The contents of the pipeline is less important than how it will flow. There seems to be an unspoken expectation that clients, as the ones who get to decide how they want projects to run, will bear the burden for ‘how to make it work’ through this period of COVID-induce uncertainty. It need not be clients alone who shape this, considering the unique contracting environment in the Pacific.

COLLABORATION MOMENT

Contractors in the Pacific don’t traditionally ‘go hard’ on contract conditions. In fact, when some have, it has not been well-received by clients. The reasons for this are manifold. The local contracting market is quite limited, with an even more limited range of clients. This means that local contractors have a significant business interest in being seen to be contractually fair, even to their own detriment at times. Some international contractors are aware of the so-called ‘development’ outcomes of the works, as formulated by multi-lateral banks and national governments. They can use this as part of their own marketing and as a unique angle on how otherwise unsatisfactory contractual outcomes can be justified or offset. Lastly, some international contractors also recognise the geopolitical implications of working in the Pacific and can temper the strength of their contractual claims in order to maintain positive relationships with national governments. It is against this backdrop that contractors (and consultants) will evaluate the risks of project pursuit. While the immediate effects have been generally muted, it is not a pragmatic business decision for contractors to simply wait until restrictions lift. There are too many unknowns and uncertainties with

THE ROADMAP

“

The local contracting market is quite limited, with an even more limited range of clients. This means that local contractors have a significant business interest in being seen to be contractually fair, even to their own detriment at times.

”

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IN FOCUS

THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

some key roles unable to mobilise, will be challenging. These challenges can be weakened by ensuring these staff have high-quality communications facilities in their home country, connected to similar in the project country. In addition, experts, who may typically be able to travel intermittently to the site, could be engaged on an at-call basis to provide technical advice to the construction team. Technology. Supervision of the works is critical to clients. Contractors could help clients overcome this by supplying the technology to make remote supervision of works practical. This will involve drones, reliable internet connections, and software. Nothing will replace the value of on-site supervision, but local supervision could be greatly enhanced by remote oversight through these means. The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an exceptional opportunity for contractors to collaborate with clients. Time spent planning is rarely wasted. n

About the Author

David is an experienced engineer, with over 20 years’ experience in construction, design and international development. David has been working in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu as a Team Leader for the past six years, specifically on road and bridgeworks. He worked on intra-ministry roles at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID, Solomon Islands) and led the Cyclone Pam road reconstruction project in Vanuatu, understanding donor requirements and how development projects are procured and delivered. Continuing as a Team Leader for MID and with some corporate responsibilities for Cardno, David seeks to deliver equitable access for communities, which generate social and economic benefits.

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Infrastructure MANAGEMENT BILL DAVID SPRING PT COLUMNIST Sydney, Australia

ome legislation is rammed thru at great speed, particularly in times of national (or political!) crises. The Solomon Islands’ Infrastructure Management Bill (IMB) has had the opposite experience. First developed and drafted nearly a decade ago, it is still yet to make its passage through parliament and into law. MID has revived the push to try and get the IMB to parliament this year. In support, SICCI has opted to advocate the need to get the Bill to Parliament. This is being done by SICCI in parallel with a similar effort on the National Building Code (NBC). But why has the passage of IMB been beset with such difficulty?

Intent

The intent of the IMB is to empower a ministry with the legal support it needs to effectively manage transport-related infrastructure in Solomon Islands. This is a noble aim, but passing it will inevitably run up against the sort of difficulties that already makes managing the transport network challenging – namely, land ownership and political territory.

Key laws

On a superficial level, adoption of the IMB will bring the current functions and powers of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, into line with current operational needs and general community expectations. Many of the protracted problems encountered by MID have related to hindrances to MID to legally, quickly and confidently modifying, clearing and maintaining waterways, drains, bridges, river banks and even roads. The IMB will deal with this clearly and divest powers to the PS MID to issue infringements for any such obstruction. The blocking of drains, either by the carefree disposal of waste or the intentional in-filling of drainage channels and outlets to the sea, is a common problem in urban areas, limiting the capacity of drainage networks. This results in overtopping of drains, damage to roads, buildings and other infrastructure. The IMB addresses this squarely, empowering the Ministry to clear drains and issue Notices where this is

infringed upon. The IMB also allows for the adoption of the NBC, to set and uphold building materials and construction standards. It requires public assets to be resilient to climate change.

Contentious

Some aspects of the IMB are contentious; and this is perhaps the reason why it has not yet had the political momentum to pass the Parliament. The contentions issues include: The far-reaching powers of the Ministry outlined – even to the point of co-opting regulatory control over assets that are managed by other ministries or agencies; Designation of roads as ‘public roads’ immediately granted them a road corridor, (up to 30m wide within Honiara City Council area); Powers given to government to forcibly remove structures (e.g. betelnut stalls) or other obstructions within the corridor, without compensation and to recover the cost of doing so; Specifically outlaw of the practice of digging ditches or building humps on the road, as is common practice by village communities, to slow the speed of vehicles Provision of the Ministry to be involved in the issue of development consents.

Timing

It is not entirely clear why the renewed push to pass the IMB is being actioned now. After eight years in limbo, what is different about this year? Solomon Islands is now attracting contractors from a broad geographical reach. In order to manage the risks associated with the varying skill levels of these contractors, a range of measures are being put in place. The IMB and the NBC under it, are key documents which give legal power to enforce higher standards of design and construction. Other measures include the improvement of testing quality at MID’s testing laboratory, and various skills programs being run by ‘development partners’ under their infrastructure programs. The IMB will enhance MID’s, and therefore the government’s, ability to safely and efficiently execute infrastructure works. Effective management of public assets is a key government service. If the IMB is a catalyst to support that process, it is high time for it to be passed into law. n

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / ROADS & BRIDGES

INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS PROGRESS SLOWLY DESPITE PANDEMIC: PM OPMC Honiara, Solomon Islands

ONOR supported projects under the Ministry of Infrastructure & Development (MID) are gradually progressing despite the pandemic. Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare highlighted in one of his weekly nationwide addresses last month. He said the donor-supported projects included the Sustainable Transport Infrastructure Investment Projects, Transport Sector Project Design Facility, Greater Honiara Transport Plan, and the Kukum Highway Phase 2 preparatory survey works, Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Projects and the Community Access & Urban Services Enhancement Component. The Prime Minister said these are projects supported by our donor partners for bridges, wharves, airports and roads here in Honiara and around the provinces. “One of the flagship projects under this sector, the Kukum Highway Phase 2 has experienced very

slow progress because of the pandemic. Nevertheless, the feasibility study report and detail design have been completed and the consultants are working from Japan to finalise the survey report because of the travel restrictions,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the Kukum Highway project includes a 4-lane road from the Ministry of Fisheries to the Lunga Bridge and a two-lane road from Lunga Bridge to the Henderson Domestic Airport. “Most of these infrastructure projects are either progressing on a snail pace or have been delayed because of the current situation,” he said. The Prime Minister said the Government together with donor partners are fully committed in ensuring these projects are completed. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

BCWG to Sort Standardizing BUILDING CODES in Solomon Islands By DOUGLAS SAEFOA Honiara, Solomon Islands

he Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI) has established a Building and Construction Working Group to look into issues affecting the building and construction industry in the Solomon Islands. In this issue PT Magazine visited the Chairperson of the BCWG who is also the Country Manager for Kramer Ausenco in Solomon Islands Mr. Daniel Tucker who spoke about how the BCWG was conceived. Kramer Ausenco has been operating in the Solomon Islands for over 40 years. Daniel Tucker has held the position of Solomon Islands country Manager for the past two years. According to Mr Tucker the BCWG was formed as a sub-Committee under the SICCI by like-minded members who were familiar with the current

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situation and who had direct involvement in the construction Industry. Initially the BCWG was formed by a group of like-minded individuals from the Construction Industry that identified the need for establishing standards in the industry to create a much fairer and level playing field for National businesses while raising the quality of materials and products, safety and infrastructure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The BCWG is supported by SICCI however the issues that we advocate are of National interest and therefore public should also be concerned. Our efforts are to cooperate with all parties to achieve and ensure an improved standard in the Construction Industry for the benefit of professionals, companies, communities, government, etc...,â&#x20AC;? Mr. Tucker said. Since establishing the BCWG, Mr. Tucker and his team identified two key projects which they sought to pursue. The eventuation of the Infra-

CIVIL WORKS / CONSTRUCTION

Country Manager for Kramer Ausenco in Solomon Islands Mr. Daniel Tucker.

structure Management Bill 2017 and the National Building Code Solomon Islands (NBCSI) – 1990 revision. These two projects were chosen based on consideration of concerns that the BCWG felt will impact on intended infrastructure projects for the future. “There are major infrastructure projects intended for the development of Solomon Islands in the next 5 years however there is no actual building standards in effect to regulate how these developments will occur. The NBCSI and IMB will provide MID and agencies similar to HCC with a guide to regulate and enforce some form of standard with these intended projects” said Tucker. On the other hand Secretary to the BCWG in the SICCI Mr. John……..said the passage of the Infrastructure Management Bill 2017 will empower the National Building Code of Solomon Islands which has remained idled for the past 30 years since its formation in 1990. “Thirty so years ago the country had a National Code document which sadly never had proper legislative mechanism to regulate it. It is therefore timely that the BCWG take the inventive to push for much needed regulations,” said BCWG Secretary With regards to coordination and support from respective Government Ministries and partners Mr. Tucker noted that his team have already raised this issue with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and other implementing partners who also gave their support. “The BCWG has undertaken a number of meetings with a number of these ministries and agencies already in an effort to channel support and awareness of this gap in the implementation of infrastructure projects for SI.” We are also assisting with consultations to ensure that feedback is received from private sector and SICCI members as progress is made and not a bias

with only private sector input,” Tucker said. Mr. Tucker also recognized the fact that this issue has been around for a while and efforts have been made by others in the past to complete the task of legislating the NBCSI however we are trying to collaborate with all parties private and public with efforts made to consult other parties especially those that have been unsuccessful in progressing this issue. However it is not entirely known to BCWG the core reason for the failure of progressing this matter in the past. “We see a window of opportunity this year with SI international border restrictions with an effort by SIG to look nationally for progressing existing projects. We have been able to bring this issue to awareness with some of Solomon Islands Inter-national partners so that we can garner international support to facilitate and implement a change and have the legislation put in place for the NBCSI,” The BCWG Chair said. When the NBCSI and IMB have been endorsed and legislated, it will be a step forward but true success will only be felt when we see the NBCSI being enforced and utilized in the Construction Industry. It will be time. Time to ensure that all parties are heard and allowing them to see the benefits of the NBCSI as a National interest not as individuals. “The BCWG are well aware that it may realistically be a 6 – 12 month timeframe however we hope to make some achievements with the two focuses by the end of the year. The timeframe for delivery is very much dependent on others such as MID, the Attorney General, agencies such as Honiara City Council, etc…, with the required consultancies and feedback to finalize the respective documents,” Mr Tucker said. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Azimuth Surveyors Map out Barana Nature and Heritage Park Boundary By DOUGLAS SAEFOA Honiara, Solomon Islands

he Secretariat to the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) is supporting the boundary survey and mapping of the Barana nature and heritage park boundary in North West Guadalcanal to include the whole mataniko catchment and parts of lunga/betikama/boko catchment. This project is currently being undertaken by Azimuth Surveyors a locally based group of Surveyors, planners and engineers who have been awarded the contract within park which spans approximately 5,000 hectares of forest area in the upper catchment of the Mataniko River, one of the largest river catchments draining Honiara city. “We are pleased to be awarded this contract by SPREP despite the fact that we are a small team of experts. We did experience some delays during the start of the contract since we first had to demon-

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strate our intentions to the community before carrying out the survey,” said Alfred Soaki, Manager of Azimuth. “In this contract we provide consultancy work under the guidance of the Barana Nature and Heritage Park committee with support from the Guadalcanal Provincial Government’s Lands Division and MECDM’s Geography Information System & Research office. The scope of our work is include: - Boundary survey and mapping of the Barana Nature and Heritage Park areas and boundaries - Correctly define catchment boundaries of the Lunga and Mataniko river systems - Community engagement in documenting and mapping their land and resources within - Sketch footpaths connecting sites of tourist attractions starting from the main hub center. The mapping will clearly outline different land use for the park identifying areas of conservation, gardening and other land use,” Mr Soaki explained. According to Barana Nature Park facebook page, the area which was launched on 27 June 2019 includes a number of World War II viewpoints and battle sites which makes it an important part of the heritage of greater Honiara. Speaking on behalf of the Community Provincial Assembly Member for Tandai ward, North West Guadalcanal Hon. John Batista Nano said the initiative taken by Barana community should set an example for other communities within Guadalcanal and other parts of the country. “As a country ravaged by massive logging operations we should start thinking of reforestation and preservation of certain areas. Barana used to be logged in the past but now secondary forests have sprung up restoring its natural habitat and wildlife. Barana people should be proud of this achievement and also acknowledge SPREP for their support,” the Provincial Assembly Member said. The development of the park formed part of SPREP’s assistance to Solomon Islands under its Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) project. The project was selected following a comprehensive and participatory ‘ecosystem and socio-economic resilience analysis and mapping’ (ESRAM) study carried out for Honiara. Barana Nature and Heritage Park demonstrates the use of ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA). An Environment and Resilience Resource Centre was

ENVIRONMENT & CONSERVATION

Surveyors assessing the secondary forest at Barana nature park.

also built for the community by SPREP. It is a platform for Toktok or Talanoa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place to share ideas and make wise decisions for the collective good. It will also serve an education function, helping to create awareness about the importance of good environment practices and the role ecosystems and biodiversity play in building community resilience. With support from the Solomon Islands government Climate Change Division the resource centre has been

fully equipped with solar power. The park is managed by a park management committee comprising the Barana community. Development of the park started in 2017 in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government through MECDM, Ministry of Forests and the Guadalcanal provincial government. Funding for the survey came from the Intra-ACP GCCA+ Pacific Adaptation to Climate Change and Resilience Building (PACRES Project). n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Banking on Renewable Energy in Post COVID-19 Solomon Islands

The stunning Solomon Islands, sprinkled across the vast Pacific Ocean, is well known for an array of incredible complexity in geology and landforms, culture and language, and biodiversity. The self-same complexity poses a suite of challenges for standard global practice when it comes to infrastructure development and service delivery. It has proven to be a unique exception to standard approaches for project preparation that are used by multilateral development agencies.

et one project has emerged to show the world it is possible to overcome the issues faced by a small islands developing country with little experience of long-term investment. For over a decade, the Tina River Hydropower Project has stood the test of time; being continuously challenged with circumstances that would prove insurmountable for most projects, ending them before they even begun. The long-term vision and commitment of just a few key players; forging ahead regardless has made all the difference for Tina. With this vision to develop a Project that will build and contribute to an emerging renewable and sustainable Energy

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Sector for the Solomon Islands - Tina has developed inspiring resilience. And with the support of a dedicated Minister of Energy Hon. Bradley Tovosia who shares a vision to end power poverty and meet climate and renewable energy targets, anything is now possible. Having survived a turbulent battle over the past decade to get this far and on the brink of construction commencing, Tina now has a new responsibility to its country. It is center stage as the flagship project for the Solomon Islands, holding a key role in its economic recovery post COVID-19.

ENERGY

Tina: A Stimulus Package At the Right Time Globally, infrastructure is being considered ‘essential activity’ and a tool for economic recovery. In the Pacific, sadly the pandemic will leave permanent marks and disrupt many industries. As the world is fighting COVID-19, in the Solomon Islands, a carefully crafted plan is needed for economic recovery, keeping renewable energy and ecological sustainability as a central pillar. But energy security and an increasing focus on the green recovery post COVID is an ever-present challenge for the Solomon Islands. A plan to transition to renewable energy sources to help is firmly on the agenda for the Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification (MMERE), with the Tina River Hydropower Project being the flagship development to tackle the task. “Tina stands in a position of strength as its faces yet another challenge– operating the construction of a major infrastructure project against the backdrop of the COVID-1 pandemic.” explains John Korinihona, Director of Energy. “I am working closely with the Project and am confident we have the right team in place to deliver this plan. More importantly, this Project and others in the pipeline for the Energy Sector will contribute significantly to the country’s plans for economic recovery.” The Ministry of Mines, Energy & Rural Electrification through its dedicated Tina Hydro Project Office, has been central to the ongoing collaboration with global stakeholders to help the Solomon Islands step into its renewable energy future by reducing its dependency on diesel fossil fuels. Through the Tina River Hydropower Project, which will use its 15 MW hydropower facility, it will bring more reliable, affordable and clean electricity to communities when commissioned in 2024. While the Solomon Island Government (SIG) remains committed to the long-term future of the delivering renewal energy to the Solomon Islands and more affordable electricity to its people, it hopes Tina will lead the way for other major infrastructure projects to receive funding and be given the green light. “Major projects in the Energy Sector will be a key part of our economic recovery post the COVID pandemic. For Tina, it’s important we do everything we can to support the Project Office and Principal Contractors, which means the Project is able to continue to employ local people in Central Guadalcanal and wider, injecting money into our economy.” says John Korinihona, Director of Energy.

Project Continuity Despite the challenges of 2020, the Ministry of Mine, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) through a dedicated Project Office have been able to continue work. As a result, Tina is leading the charge for the Renewable Energy Sector and is the only major project in the country showing resilience to global pandemic lockdown measures. In addition to the task of maintaining effective implementation while operating remotely for many of its stakeholders, the Tina Project team have reviewed the impact the crisis may have long-term and are adapting to this new norm; examining the management and technical actions required to demonstrate continuity and progression. Reviews to identify and modify program responses and activities, have assisted to adjust work plans. With the Project office and its principal contractors already locally embedded in Honiara, plans are well placed for a coordinated response to the fallout from COVID-19, through pivots in activities, re- deployment and scaling of resources.

We are responding to a moving target As the leading energy project in the country, there is a collective sense of urgency and responsibility to not only respond but set the standard for other development actors to follow. With the complex, highly uncertain trajectory of the COVID crisis, Tina is in a unique position to sharing its learnings, contributing to a growing body of development knowledge and practices in this sector. The Project and its team, can support and partner with agencies, communities and beneficiaries to navigate this crisis, quickly recover and build resilience.

The future is bright With every crisis comes opportunity. A silver lining to the devastation of COVID-19 could be the onset of a new era for the energy sector; with an accelerated focus on renewable energy projects and sustainable investing. And, just maybe, one legacy of COVID-19 for the Solomon Islands could be a new spirit for essential infrastructure of collaboration, connectedness and community that will benefit society, business, and the economy alike. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

MoFT, SICCI delve into SIG Procurement system

he Solomon Islands Government Ministry of Finance and Treasury in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries successfully held another training workshop on the government’s procurement system. The workshop provided a suiting environment which allowed members of the private sector to have a direct and on point discussion with key personnel in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury’s (MoFT) on matters related to the Government acquisition of services. In his opening remarks, Deputy Accountant General, Mr Douglas Sade emphasized that the government procurement process is where Governments and businesses establish their relationships to ensure Government service delivery, policy implementation and budget spending takes place. According to Leslie Penibanga Assistant Accountant-General (Payments and Procurement) of the MoFT, 60% of the government’s budget is being managed through the procurement process in which the private sector need to be well versed with in order to fully utilize this process. “Providing an understanding of SIG procurement processes especially to its keys suppliers in the private sector is necessary in ensuring fair competition and distribution of services. It is vital that the business community understand their roles as Suppliers, Contractors and Consultant’s and responsibilities to the government and vice versa” Penibanga said. Participants went through a series of presentations covering topics; Introduction to Procurement in Solomon Islands, Understanding want Government wants, Responding to Government tenders, Evaluation, Approval and Award and Contract Management. Participants went through a series of presentations covering topics; Introduction to Procurement in Solomon Islands, Understanding want Government wants, Responding to Government tenders, Evaluation, Approval and Award and Contract Management. Mr. Penibanga said when it comes to Government procurement, it is important for members of the private sector to understand the process of securing tenders and submitting proper bids. “I believe that there are many quality suppliers out there. These are businesses and companies who have the capacity to provide quality services and goods to Government but (who) miss out just because they do not understand the process. “It is encouraging to note that SICCI through its membership have genuine businesses and we are looking forward to bringing them onboard to participate in all of Government procurement,” Mr Penibanga said. SICCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elect, Ms Natalina Hong highlighted that good procurement and contracting is important to Government, contractors and our people.

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Deputy Accountant General, Mr Douglas Sade delivering the opening remarks at the procurement workshop hosted by SICCI. Photos: SICCI Media.

“The Government procurement process is an important relationship between government and businesses, which means more understanding and information sharing of each other’s needs and systems is vital. “The private sector through the procurement process are always looking for solutions and ways to improve their products and service delivery to the public and think the training is an opportunity to better understand and apply the procurement process for both parties,” Ms Hong said. In his closing remarks, SICCI Vice Chairman, Mr Ricky Fuoo acknowledge participants and Government through MoFT for their support. “Your attendance signifies the importance of this workshop and continue to demonstrate the ongoing desire for greater collaboration between the Solomon Islands Government and the Private sector, through the Chamber of Commerce,” he said. Mr Fuoo reiterated the procurement process is very important when trying to secure jobs, especially during these tough times businesses need to be well informed. “Please utilize the things you have learnt during this workshop and add value to your respective businesses with this information. “As a Chamber, we see such initiative as helpful for Solomon Islanders to be more competitive. We have the capacity to deliver goods and services for our Government but most time that simple error in the procurement process hinders us from getting those tenders,” he told participants. The SICCI Vice Chairman, Mr Fuoo thanked MoFT for accepting the training invitation. “We look forward to further training partnership of these kinds from relevant Government divisions,” he concluded. Also presenting at the workshop was Ms Deborah Wargent, Procurement Adviser to both DFAT and MoFT. n

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / INDUSTRY

ADB ANNOUNCES $31 MILLION LOAN TO BOOST ROAD NETWORK IN PNG

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $31 million loan to expand and improve the road network in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Transport Sector Preparatory Project will finance a feasibility study and detailed engineering designs, including bidding documents and procurement support, for three transport projects along the northern region road corridor and continue improvements to the Highlands core network in central PNG. “This project readiness financing is ADB’s new and innovative way to fast-track projects, while improving engineering designs and procurement,” said ADB Country Director for PNG David Hill. “This facility is the foundation for implementing the government’s new Connect PNG strategy and will support the construction of key economically strategic roads for the next 10 to 15 years.” The northern region road corridor starts at the Indo-

nesian–PNG border and runs almost 1,500 kilometers, connecting the ports of Vanimo, Wewak, Madang, and Lae with the Highlands highway and southern region corridor. Improvements to the corridor and the construction of missing links will make an important contribution to the economic growth of the region, which is home to about 40% of PNG’s population. The $31 million concessional loan is sourced from ADB’s Ordinary Capital Resources and is being supported with $3.1 million from the Government of PNG. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Companies call for ‘standards’ in Manufacturing Sector H

aving standards in place for the local manufacturing sector is important not only because it ensures a level playing field for all companies but also it ensures that our people and markets are protected. Former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Ms Atenasi Ata made her final appearence at a roundtable meeting the Chamber hosted early September between heads of companies in the manufacturing sector and top officials from the Prime Minister’s Office and relevant Government ministries. Ms Ata said having standards ensures that consumers are guaranteed safe quality products, employees are guaranteed a safe and healthy working environment while government see a boost in their revenue from a broader collection base. “The lack of it in place for our goods and services poses a huge risk for our country and our people. “Having standards will ensure that countries and companies that we import from take on more responsibility and meet our minimum requirements on their goods. Doing this, we avoid importing inferior, and low-quality products,” she said. The Former CEO also highlighted that imposing standards domestically, will ensure that locally-made products are recognised globally. “This is appropriate at a time when the government is encouraging local farmers to grow Kava, Noni, and other niche crops. Not having a standard for our crops for example is a reputational risk when exporting our products globally. “Other risks of not having standards and not policing them includes industrial disasters. We have experienced a recent disaster of our own in 2019 in Rennell Island from oil spillage. This is not the only case, there other areas where the country sees detrimental environmental

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Former SICCI CEO, Atenasi Wasuka.

impacts, and subsequently affecting livelihoods for our people who depend on these ecosystems,” Ms Ata said. “Huge infrastructure projects are in the pipeline and multinational contractors can easily take over local jobs if we are not careful to have our own minimum requirements in place.” Chairman of SICCI’s Manufacturing Industry Working Group (MIWG), Mr Carson Korowa said standards are everywhere and play an important role in the economy, by facilitating business interaction, enabling companies to comply with relevant laws and regulations, speeding up the introduction of innovative products to market and providing interoperability between new and existing products, services and processes. “Standardised quality of products results in increased knowledge, trust and confidence in the product delivered to the consumer at a competi-

tive price,” Mr Korowa said. Mr Carson, who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of South Pacific Oil (SPO), also highlighted examples of standards and level playing field issues in the oil industry. “SPO is competing against other companies that operate floating oil storage who do not pay the port dues because they operate outside the ports restricted zone, who are not investing in land-based assets for storage and distribution of fuel products, not employing Solomon Islanders in the storage and distribution of fuel in the country and are not carrying oil spill equipment to protect the environment in the event of an oil spill. “In addition, these companies do not comply with industry requirements for fuel facilities. The risks for our environment if something goes wrong are too huge,” Mr Korowa said. n

INSIGHT

Australia must demand answers on Asian Development Bank funding in Papua New Guinea By JEFFREY WALL ASPI-The Strategist

ustralia is a founding member of the Asian Development Bank and, since 1966, has directly contributed US$8.5 billion in capital subscriptions, as well as US$2.86 billion to special funds. Our annual subscription this year is around US$430 million—more than that of the People’s Republic of China. Since the ADB’s establishment, Australian companies and consultants have won just US$1.75 billion in procurement contracts on ADB-funded projects. So, by any measure, we have been more than generous contributors. No one doubts the value of ADB grants and loans in our region. In particular, it has long been a major contributor to our closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea. The total value of ADB projects in PNG is just over US$3 billion. Of that, US$1.82 billion has gone into the transport sector— roads, airports and ports. What is now of real concern is that increasingly ADB-funded projects in PNG have been awarded to a small group of PRC construction companies. This is an issue that demands urgent and serious examination by the Australian government, By my estimate, more than three-quarters of recent contracts have gone to PRC companies, most notably the state-owned conglomerate China Railway Construction and Engineering Group. As far back as 2012, China Railway won the lucrative contract for the Lae Port redevelopment—funded by the ADB—in a process which former PNG urban development minister Ken Fairweather tells me was hardly competitive. The stranglehold that PRC companies have over the construction sector in PNG has been tightening for some years, and began well before PNG signed up to the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018. Today, it is so dominant that Australian, New Zealand and even PNG construction companies no longer bother tendering for most PNG government contracts, including those funded by the ADB. PRC companies are currently implementing an ADB-funded program that involves upgrading no less than eight provincial airports right across PNG. Australian and PNG companies have not had a look-in. It’s the same story in road construction and rehabilitation. More than US$1 billion worth of ADB contracts have gone to PRC companies in and around Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. To that can be added hundreds of millions of dollars for smaller projects elsewhere in PNG. I am advised that four or five PRC construction companies have recently been lobbying PNG ministers and officials for other road projects valued at close to US$4 billion. It remains to be seen whether these projects are funded by China Exim Bank loans or ADB loans. Australia is not entitled to seek a privileged position for our construction companies in relation to ADB-funded projects in PNG, or anywhere else. But we are entitled to insist on a transparent process not just in the ‘invitation’ phase, but in the actual awarding of contracts, which in PNG is principally done by the National Executive Council based on ‘recommendations’ from the bureaucracy. This issue can no longer be put in the ‘too hard’ basket by the

Australian government. And there’s an even greater sense of urgency now that the PNG government is planning a massive national roadworks program over the next decade or more which is worth around K20 billion (A$8 billion). Just how such a program can be funded at a time when PNG’s debt-to-GDP ratio is around 50%, and headed for an eye-watering 60%-plus in the near future, remains to be seen. But the very fact that it is now national government policy makes it even more urgent for Australia, along with New Zealand, to act. The federal government needs to urgently call a ‘virtual summit’ with Australian construction companies, engineers, architects and planners to get an up-to-date assessment on the full extent of PRC companies’ dominance in the government construction sector, including ADB-funded projects. It will be shocked by what it will hear. It also needs to engage with the New Zealand construction sector and, most importantly, with PNG’s construction industry, which is suffering just as much from the growing dominance of Chinese companies on ADB tenders and on projects funded by the PNG national and provincial governments. Australia needs to then engage with the ADB and with the highest levels of the PNG government and insist on a level playing field on every tender process, especially for road, airport and port projects. It also needs to consider offering incentives to Australian and PNG companies to engage robustly in the tender process, and in the training of PNG apprentices, including in the TAFE system in Australia. If need be, concessional loans should be made available to both Australian and PNG companies to get right in the game and compete with the PRC construction companies that are well entrenched in PNG. Yes, the recently established Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific will help Australian and PNG companies in gaining concessional finance, which will enable them to compete against Chinese companies. But what the Australian facility plans to offer is small beer when compared with what the ADB is funding, and what the China Exim Bank is funding. The most recent indication from the managers of the Infrastructure Financing Facility was that it hoped to gain approval for around A$300 million in loans and grants by 30 June. That is nowhere near enough. The time has come for the Australian government to ask the ADB serious questions, and develop a constituency that will help wrest a reasonable share of infrastructure work in our closest neighbor from the clutches of well-resourced, aggressive and well-connected PRC companies that currently have free rein right across the important infrastructure sector in PNG. If it does not happen soon—very soon—it will simply be too late. n

Author- Jeffrey Wall has had a 43-year association with Papua New Guinea, including as an adviser to prime ministers and senior ministers and as a consultant to the World Bank.

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Impact on female-led Pacific businesses deepens as COVID-19 takes its toll By JASON SOM KAUT Port Moresby, PNG

urvey 5 of Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Pacific Business Monitor has revealed that the negative impacts of COVID-19 on female-led businesses are increasing, with happiness and optimism declining and 92 per cent reporting a fall in revenue. Despite this, Pacific businesses continue to adapt; an increasing number have scaled back operations, with fully operational female-led businesses decreasing to 23 per cent (down from 29 percent during Survey 4 of the PTI Pacific Business Monitor), and partially operational businesses increasing from 29 per cent to 41 per cent. Commenting on the Survey 5 findings, PTI Australia Trade & Investment Commissioner Caleb Jarvis noted that the pandemic is biting hard for all businesses – particularly those led by women. “Although the majority of the Pacific remains free of COVID-19, the economic impact of closed borders has been debilitating, especially for nations that are reliant on tourism – a sector with a high proportion of female employees,” said Caleb. “Talking with businesses in the Pacific, many women are performing a juggling act – balancing work with being the primary care givers.” The Survey 5 findings are in-line with the UN Secretary General’s Policy Brief: The Impact of COVID-19 on Women report, which found that women and girls globally are suffering more from the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 due to multiple factors including higher care responsibilities, home schooling, and the disproportionate lack of access to working capital and digital tools and skills. With less than half of all Survey 5 respondents reporting that

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they have received government assistance during the pandemic, business owners are increasingly adopting measures to manage the impact of COVID-19, including reducing operational costs (66 per cent), reducing staff working hours (49 per cent), staff numbers (43 per cent) and wages (33 per cent). Others have also pivoted to focus on selling and doing business online (22 per cent), while 17 per cent have sought rent reductions or relief. Most tellingly, all of these measures have so far been adopted by a larger percentage of female-led businesses.

“From capital to develop and export goods like coffee, to training and support with digital platforms, Pacific businesses – especially female-led businesses – are in urgent need of tangible support,” added Caleb. In this environment, the mental health of respondents has also dipped to its lowest point since the start of the Pacific Business Monitor tracking, with 31 per cent of female-led businesses reporting that COVID-19 has had a ‘very negative’ impact on their mental health during Survey 5, compared to 14 per cent of male-led businesses. Forty-five per cent of female-led

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CT scan to be commissioned next year: PM

businesses reported feeling worried ‘most of the time’ or ‘all of the time’, with levels of optimism and happiness also decreasing among all business owners surveyed compared to Survey 4. “It’s a long road ahead, and it’s vital that we continue to champion the voice of businesses in the Pacific by continuing to provide the quantitative results to governments, donors and regional organisations so they can see the realities facing Pacific businesses,” said Caleb. “We are actively using the results of the survey to inform and improve the effectiveness of our programs

across the 16 Pacific nations we service. As a result of understanding what Pacific business require, PTI Australia has refined its e-Commerce connector series and to date we have delivered 13 workshops across the Pacific region to increase the digital capabilities of businesses. We developed our Digital Tourism COVID-19 Support Package and our new Learning Hub launched this week for tourism operators is another initiative that will support businesses to be more effective and successful operating in a digital economy.”. n

RIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has informed that the progress in purchasing our own CT scan is progressing well. In media statement in September last month PM Sogavare said the CT scan design and building project is now 9 months into its 14 months schedule program. The Government During its announcement of its 100-days plan in 2019 revealed it had earmarked SBD 17.8 million dollars to design and build the complex to house the Computer Tomography (CT) scan machine. The Prime Minister said the building and infrastructure for the installment of the CT scan facility has progressed. PT Magazine understands that the current contractor is working together with The Solomon Foundation in Sydney together with Siemans Healthineers who is the supplier of the equipment to determine the requirements needed for the building. “The Government through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services are now in the process of procuring the equipment as other major accessories for the CT scan have already been tendered,” he said. Prime Minister Sogavare said the CT scan is expected to be commissioned in March next year. He said it is expected to provide significant improvement in the diagnosis of many diseases that are not currently detected including supporting diagnosis of COVID-19. PT Magazine is also aware that the MHMS awarded the contract to design and construct the CT scan facility to Hatanga group on 6 November 2019. n This Contract was advertised on Pacific Tenders online https://www.pacifictenders.com/tenders/ supply-delivery-installation-and-commissioning-specialised-ct-scan-equipment-and-accessories

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Gaima-Genabona feeder road rehabilitation opens up in Gumine By JASON SOM KAUT Port Moresby, PNG

n eight-kilometer ring-road has been rehabilitated after 15 years of neglect. Thanks to the access road rehabilitation project that saw cargo trucks already accessing the road as the final touches to the work was being undertaken. The Gaima – Genabona and Gamakuria access road rehabilitation project manager Nick Olmi said the completed project now opens up eight (08) kilometers of road to almost 30,000 people of Dom living on the outskirts of Gaima and Genabona. Mr Olmi said as an essential development link, the road will help revive and boost local businesses, strengthen health care and education services delivery in the area and make the community more accessible to visitors, investors and government services. The project phases included road maintenance and drainage work, while phase two involves the road sealing aspects of the project. “Local contractor Fortress Limited is looking forward to pursue the second phase of the work once funding is made available from the Gumine District Improvement Program funds,” Mr Olmi said. “The current rehabilitation works cost District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) K300, 000 with actual work taking place in July,” he added. This writer who visited the site was reliably informed by the locals that the Gaima-Genebona feeder road was allowed to deteriorate by the people purely from political indignation though the MP Nick Kuman remained consistent in distributing funds fairly to the whole of Gumine for intervention programs.

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Gaima – Genabona road rehabilitation that is done is nearing completion. Second phase would require sealing.

While Mr Nick Olmi thanked Nick Kuman for capturing road infrastructure development in the Dom and Yuri area of Digine Local Level Government, Olmi said Dyna trucks are now accessing Genabona to bring farm produce into Kundiawa with public transportation business

picking up since July. He said the new Digine High School, the health center and the Gumine sub-district office in Karamaril are now accessible through the improved road. This is expected to give a boost to the local economy. n

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT / CIVIL WORKS

The Minegone rail guard project in pictures.

Rail guards vital for safety of road users By JASON SOM KAUT Port Moresby, PNG

ocal leaders in Dirima of Gumine, Simbu province have expressed their appreciation to Gumine District Development Authority (GDDA) for the road safety project at the most notorious section of the 33 kilometer Gumine road. Leaders representing the five council wards of Dirima-Yani, Aina Gikobe, Alua Simon, Henry Sine, Ignas Warmil and Alua Peke said the rail guard project would save a lot of lives from vehicles that would go off the road rocketing into the deep gorge where they would smash on the massive boulders of the Marigl River. Aina Gikobe, the former village court magistrate, said more than 13 road accidents have occurred and a numbers of deaths have been unaccounted for. The latest road accident in 2019 caused the death of a young schoolgirl. “The rail guard project covering a two kilometers section of the road from Marigl bridge was long overdue and we the leaders of Dirima thank the GDDA and Gumine MP Nick Kuman for their foresight in securing public safety for road

users,” said Chief Ignas Warmil. Ward 7 council Henry Sine said the project is timely because it will give confidence to road users, especially those who are new to Dirima and beyond. “It will save the lives of the people in Gumine, Salt-Nomane, and Jiwaka province who are accessing Gumine road. As we are expecting big number of teachers and students to come to Gumine Polytechnic Institute in 2022 this particular project is happening at the right time,” said Sine. The Minegone road safety project, the initiative of the GDDA cost K1.5 million covering three-kilometer from Marigl river drop. Project contractor SAAWF started work on the road in July. The project engineer and site manager Peter Yobale Kumulgo said the guardrail will cover 2.5 kilometers of the road. It is expected to be completed this month. Mr Kumulgo said parts of the project included laying of concrete pavement on the road covering 1,000 meters and doing line drainage. “The kind of work we are doing here is normally done in mining sites. We are using black pipes to

reinforce the guardrail. When hit by vehicles the iron pipes will only bend. “It is the first of its kind project in this areas and will save lives of road users, save vehicles, allow continuity of essential government services, help improve the economy, and the livelihood of the people in Gumine and Salt Nomane Karamui districts,” Mr Kumulgo said. Project contractor Albert Kia of SAAWF Construction acknowledged the contributions and support given by the people of Gumine, Kumai-Bomai, and Digine local level government councils in providing labour to the project. He thanked the Gumine DAA and Chairman Nick Kuman for the project that will save and protect lives. Motor Vehicle Insurance Limited (MVIL) declared Minegone as the most accident prone road in the country and a bill board was built at the base of the climb at Marigl bridge to warn the road users of the dangers in climbing up the winding road. Well it will now be safer with construction of the rail guard along the road stretch. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04

Carpenters admiring their work of constructing the new general ward building of Dirima Community Health post in Gumine, Simbu province.

Dirima aid post attains Community Health Post status with new general ward building By ENNIO KUBLE Simbu, PNG

irima/Yani aid post infrastructure upgrading in Gumine district, Simbu province, is nearing its completion which will see it attain Community Health Post status. The Health Post will continue to serve the 10, 000 plus people in the community says the Kundiawa Catholic Health services boss. Elizabeth Koai, the Kundiawa Diocesan Health Manageress in an interview applauded the Gumine District Development Authority (GDDA) for entering into a partnership to upgrade the Dirima/ Yani aid post to community health post status. Ms Koai said infrastructure upgrading work which included the main general ward building with its accessories is nearing its end with final touches yet to be splashed on.

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The project was made possible with K150, 000 funding allocation from GDDA. “The facility will especially help our mothers in Dirima/Yani and the surrounding communities during delivery as the health sub-center in Gumine is about a kilometer from Dirima,” Koai said. She said through the partnership arrangement Catholic Health will maintain four health workers, two community health workers, one nursing officer, and one midwife including management of the health facility. Ms Koai said to ensure the construction of the building meets the required standards an officer from within the Simbu Works unit did audit on the building recently. “I acknowledged the construction work carried out by Nimesons Construction Limited for its due diligence and enthusiasm in getting the work done and completed

on schedule. I also acknowledge the GDDA and Gumine MP Nick Kuman for the funding, the community for its support, and Catholic Health for management of the project and producing timely acquittals to GDDA,” she said. Meanwhile Nimesons Construction director Gabriel Pari Nime said the lifting of the aid-post to Community Health Post status would improve the level of health care services rendered to Dirima/ Yani communities. Mr Nime thanked the GDDA, the Catholic Health Services and the community for their support to ensure the general ward building construction is off the ground. He said the general ward has nine rooms with separate male and female showers and toilets. The new upgraded facility will greatly improve health services to the people of this remote communities. n

Pacific Games 2023 UPDATES DEVELOPMENT / INDUSTRY from the SolINFRASTRUCTURE 2023 National Hosting Authority

Pacific Games preparations remain steady despite harsh Covid conditions

Left to right: NHA chairman Dr. Jimmy Rogers, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Cabnet Oversight Committe member Jamie Vokia at the opening of the new NHA office. By DOUGLAS SAEFOA Honiara, Solomon Islands

s the Covid-19 pandemic rampantly charges into the fourth quarter of 2020 continuously restricting International travel and movement, this has sparked the obvious question whether Solomon Islands will still be able to host the Pacific Games with than 33 months remaining before the scheduled grand opening. In this issue PT Magazine had the opportunity of speaking with the Vice Chairman of the Sol2023 National Hosting Authority Martin Rara regarding the state of preparations of the games and the athletes. According to Mr Rara the National Olympic Committee is on the top of this project. “We are very mindful of COVID19 and therefore we tend to focus on competitions in country. NOCSI acknowledges the call to open sports in the country by the Committee of COVID19.” “We are focusing on our athletes for the Solomon Islands Games in 2022 before the Games in 2023 and any bilateral arrangement for our athletes and coaches. The National Institute of Sports is currently one of the facilities taking shape at the moment and therefore it will be the first facility to be completed for the Games. The Facility will be a venue where it will accommodate our top developmental athletes and also our top coaches that don’t have the chance to train overseas. After the games it will be a home where it will add much value to our local sports and our elite athlete pathways. “At the moment National Sports don’t

even own any facilities in the country. However, sports continue to utilize facilities that are privately own by organizations and church organizations. Like for example the facilities that are currently in operation now are that of Honiara City Council, Our institution ones like King George Sixth, Solomon Islands National University and also Churches. Only one National Federation has facilities that they own which is Rugby and they continue to manage it by themselves. But based on our understanding our national teams were the ones to benefit from these private facilities,” said Rara Our current correspondence with the Pacific Games Council (PGC) now is to continue to monitor the progress on the facilities and also continue to monitor COVID-19 and its impact on the preparations of the Facilities for the Games. We will also continue to update them on the formation of various committees expected to deliver the Games for us in 2023. Currently the Olympic Committee and the Pacific Games Association of Solomon Islands is taking this challenge very seriously. When the call on sports was done on the 40 Gold medals the only perquisite the country has is 4 gold medals won in Samoa. So how should we go from 4 gold medals to 40? 2021– We will see most of our National Games come back to the capital and the Provinces. We will revive the High School Games, The Provincial Games and the Solomon Islands National Games as spring boards to our main event. We will be conducting technical courses for our Coaches and managers online if

COVID19 is not giving us the opportunity to go overseas for these trainings to help our human resources prepare and deliver. 2022-‐ Pre Games Competition – we will be staging the biggest in country Games by hosting the Solomon Games in Honiara as a test event to test our facilities a year before the Games arrive in 2023. This event is necessary to help test different areas of our preparedness for the Games and it is going to be a replica of what is expected in 2023. 2023-‐Games time! Looking at the medals the 40 Gold medal is just 9% of the total medals expected to be won at the Games here in 2023 and to get to that is achievable but it needs a collaborative approach in order to get there. So my call is let’s be a Team and we will achieve our wish and our National Goal. For sports our biggest challenge is covid19. It really puts an end to exposure for our athletes and competitions and test events. “I would like to make a national call to all sports people that COVID19 is putting sports in a situation where sports is going to be approached in the new normal context and therefore it will need our National Federation to redesign training programs, and other technical aspect of sports to ensure sports continue to be played and enjoyed by all,” said Rara I wish to call on all Sports leaders that this is time to use their God given talent to improvise and play sport in the Solomon Islands. Let’s take note of c19 regulations as our guide as we move on in this new normal and play sports,” The NOC President said. n

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Pacific Games 2023 UPDATES

THIRD QUARTER 2020 ISSUE 04 National Hosting Authority from the/ Sol 2023

The second phase involves erecting of a total of 49 steel columns that will support the two story sport complex.

SINIS High Performance complex taking shape SOL 2023 NHA Honiara, Solomon Islands

onstruction of the Solomon Islands National Institution of Sport (SINIS) High Performance Centre, commenced at the end of May, is beginning to take shape as it is entering into its second phase of construction. The official ground breaking ceremony was officiated by Honourable Prime Minister on the 5th of December 2019. The first phase was paving over 100 cubic metres of concrete mixture for the structure’s foundation. This groundwork took almost 4 months and was completed at the end of August 2020. The second phase involves erecting of a total of 49 steel columns that will support the two story sport complex. After aligning and fastening of each column upright, the construction team’s next task would be to bolt the columns together

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with structural steel beams. The time frame to complete this phase would be roughly two months, meaning the second stage should be completed by the end of October this month. On when the whole sport complex will be officially opened and start operations of the High Performance Program, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Project Manager Qi Rongbao stated that ‘the project is now 20% done. The longest phase was laying the concrete, because we had to wait for it to set properly. Work on the next phases will much quicker.’ When asked on when the whole project should be finished, Mr Rongbao says that ‘the expected deadline given by SIG for the building to be completed is by the end of December 2020.’ The Facilities Committee has been set up and is in operations overseeing implementation of programs

that had been put in place by NHA through the Project Management Unit (NHA PMU) set up within Secretariat to Authority. With the establishment of the Committee, they will now oversee the work of PMU instead of PMU reporting directly to NHA. The National Hosting Authority Project Management Unit (NHA PMU) was on hand to witness the commencement of phase two of the SINIS building project. NHA

Pacific Games 2023 UPDATES DEVELOPMENT / INDUSTRY from the SolINFRASTRUCTURE 2023 National Hosting Authority

Pacific Games Facilities Committee satisfied with work progress SOL 2023 NHA Honiara, Solomon Islands

PMU consultant Ken Grossmith is delighted with the project moving into its next phase. He also mentioned that this is the first sporting complex that is being constructed in preparations for the SOL2023 Pacific Games. In addition to the SINIS High Performance Center there are up to 15 more facilities that will be constructed or upgraded leading up to Sol2023. These include PRC funded 11,000 capacity National Stadium, Swimming Pool complex, Tennis Courts, MP Hall, Football Field, Hockey Field, Office and Food Courts and Indonesian funded Multi-Purpose Futsal Stadium. The SINIS High Performance Centre is a $13 million project, fully funded by SIG. n

he Sol2023 Pacific Games Facilities Committee recently visited the construction site of the Solomon Islands National Institute of Sport (SINIS) Sports precinct located at the former Telekom recreation area. The Sol2023 Pacific Games Facilities Committee is made up of nine individuals across various sectors of the Government, private sectors and sport organizations. This was their first visit since the committee was set up in July this year. National Hosting Authority Project Management Unit (NHA PMU) arranged this visit to update the Facilities Committee on progress of work at the site. According to the committee members that visited the site, construction is progressing on schedule. NOCSI rep, Mr Morris Maitaki mentioned that he was satisfied with the foundation work done by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Vice Chairman of the Facilities Committee and chairman of National Sports Council, Mr Joe Sika reiterated this by stating that the work done is of good standard and is moving very well. Before construction work began at this site, an Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) survey was carried out, this is where bombs, shells, grenades and other munitions that did not explode but still pose a risk of detonation are removed from the site. The first stage of construction, which is the laying of the massive concrete slab that will be the foundation for the sports centre, began in May 2020 and took up to 3 months to complete. With the completion of the concrete work and allowing it to cure for a required 28 days, CCECC are on course to proceed with the erecting of the steel pillars effective this Thursday. When complete, the SINIS High Performance Centre will be an international standard sport complex that will house an indoor sports area, gyms, training rooms, classrooms, a sports clinic, office space, conference rooms and accommodation quarters. The NHA set up PMU, has done all the work under the direction of the NHA Board chaired by Dr Jimmie Rodgers and implementation was supervised by the Secretariat. Dr Rodgers, the Chairman of NHA is very pleased with the work being done so far, even though the corona virus pandemic has forced the NHA to reschedule most of their deadlines NHA and the donor partners are still looking at completing the facilities before June 2023. n

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Pacific Games 2023 UPDATES

THIRD QUARTER 2020 ISSUE 04 National Hosting Authority from the/ Sol 2023

PRC Engineering team with the NHA Project Management Unit on a site visit at one of the proposed Games facilities.

PRC team assures timely completion of games facilities SOL 2023 NHA Honiara, Solomon Islands

fter successfully completing their 3 COVID19 tests and 14 days quarantine in good health, the 17 Chinese nationals visited the National Hosting Authority (NHA) last month and held a meeting with NHA Executive Director, NHA Project Management Unit (PMU) Coordinator, NHA Financial Controller and a PG2023 Sub-Committee rep. The People’s Republic of China (PRC) delegation is headed by Gao Si. The delegation’s professions comprises of different technical fields of expertise; from architects to engineers of various fields to a survey team and an

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interpreter/translator. The delegate members are from both the private and public sector. The agendas discussed during the meeting included, finalizing all architectural plans and layout for the PRC‘s sponsored National Stadium (KGVI Sport Complex West) and the Multi-purpose facility (KGVI Sport Complex East) that will house a running track and hockey pitch among other things. When asked on his thoughts on the consultations that took place at the NHA conference room, Executive Director; Mr. Christian Nieng stated that NHA and the PRC Team have been having weekly We chat meetings over the past weeks, with the PMU Unit, representing the Facilities

Committee but it is great to finally have the Chinese Team finally on the ground, visiting the sites and being in direct consultation. The Chinese delegation will be in the country for 45 days to consult, monitor and oversee the planning and progression of the upcoming projects for the Sol2023 Pacific Games. The Facilities Committee serving as the Board is in-charge of the implementation of the NHA approved projects and the PMU will be its implementing arm. Since completing quarantine the delegation have also been visiting all PRC sponsored sites and other proposed sites earmarked for Sol2023 Pacific Games. n

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THIRD QUARTER 2020 / ISSUE 04