East Sepik Governor Allan Bird has questioned the awarding and performance of multimillion-Kina infrastructure contracts in the province, raising concerns in Parliament over delays, project outcomes and the participation of local contractors in government-funded developments.
During Question Time yesterday, Governor Bird cited the K68 million Boram Airport redevelopment contract awarded to China Shenyang International and raised concerns about ongoing flooding issues at the airport despite the project’s completion.
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He also questioned the progress of the K83 million Passam-to-Maprik Highway project, awarded to the same company in 2024, telling Parliament that no visible work had commenced on the road since the contract was announced.
Governor Bird said that although the Boram Airport project was completed, the airport is now experiencing significant flooding issues, which continue to disrupt flight operations in and out of Wewak.
He further told Parliament that the same company was later awarded the K83 million Passam-to-Maprik Highway project in 2024.
However, he alleged that no visible work has commenced on the highway since the announcement.
Governor Bird also raised concerns over additional payments, including K1.5 million reportedly allocated to fix the Boram culvert washout, as well as funding linked to repairing a landslip near Koikin Village, which he said has not yet been addressed.
He warned that the landslip could pose risks to the broader Sepik Highway corridor.
Questioning government procurement practices, Bird argued that smaller infrastructure projects under K10 million should be reserved for capable local contractors, in line with previous policy statements encouraging local participation.
He asked why such contracts were still being awarded to foreign companies despite the presence of qualified local firms in East Sepik.
He also referred to past statements by Prime Minister James Marape regarding prioritizing local contractors for smaller projects and asked why those directives were not reflected in recent contract awards.
Governor Bird further questioned whether the government would consider reviewing or re-tendering the Passam-to-Maprik Highway contract, citing concerns about performance and the earlier withdrawal of potential donor funding linked to the project.
In response, Minister for Works and Highways and Bougainville Regional Member Peter Tsiamalili Jr acknowledged the concerns raised and thanked the Governor for bringing the matter forward.
The Minister noted that the issues predated his tenure in office and requested that the Governor submit the full questions in writing to allow for a detailed and formal response.
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He assured Parliament that he would provide a comprehensive explanation to both the people of East Sepik and Papua New Guinea once all relevant documentation is received.