DESILTING WORKS TO COMMENCE IN RABAUL; OVER K700,000 AWARDED TO LOCAL CIVIL CONTRACTOR

THE restoration of Rabaul town continues under the desilting program with the recent engagement and cheque presentation of K756,000 to a local civil contractor Marbil Enterprises Limited for the removal of silt from the town’s streets.

The payment is part of a K1.3 million desilting program awarded to Marbil Enterprises, with subcontracting support from Brista Limited and local participants.

The restoration work primarily aims to reopen the main streets that were covered by volcanic ash during past volcanic eruptions.

Streets scheduled for clearing include Central Park, St. George Street, Kumerere Street, Kusuarina Street, and Mango Avenue.

Marbil Enterprises Limited received the payment from Rabaul District Administrator Mr. Freddie Lemeki and Advisor for Transport and Infrastructure Development Mr. John Vule during a brief ceremony in Rabaul earlier this month.

Rabaul District Administrator Mr. Lemeki, speaking on behalf of the ENB Provincial Procurement Committee (ENB PPC) Chairman and Provincial Administrator Mr. Levi Mano, said the four districts, along with various local-level governments (LLGs), are working together as a team to redevelop infrastructure across the province.

“Today marks the awarding of the contract to Marbil Enterprises for the clearing of Mango Avenue and other streets in Rabaul,” Mr. Lemeki said. “I commend the ENB PPC for finally approving this contract. We will now see work begin on the ground.”

The funding is part of a K10 million commitment made by Prime Minister James Marape during his visit to Rabaul last year.

Portions of the funding have already been allocated to other projects, with the desilting of Rabaul town streets being one of several initiatives under the Prime Minister’s redevelopment pledge.

Advisor for the Division of Transport and Infrastructure Development, Mr. John Vule, said the contract forms part of the broader Rabaul Redevelopment Program.

He noted that the Rabaul District Technical Services team will lead the program, while his division will provide oversight and support.

“This payment represents a 60 percent commitment. The remaining balance will be paid once the project reaches its full operational scale,” Mr. Vule added.