A K25 million redevelopment of Aitape Port in West Sepik Province was officially launched last week by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and State Enterprises Minister William Duma to restore reliable shipping, reduce freight costs and strengthen regional economic activity.
Funded by PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports), the project forms part of its nationwide Port Upgrade Program, which covers major gateways such as Lae, Motukea and Kimbe, as well as smaller Community Service Obligation ports serving remote and coastal communities.
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PNG Ports in a statement said an independent socio-economic assessment found that the 15 ports managed by PNG Ports support around K29 billion in economic activity annually, equivalent to 22 per cent of Papua New Guinea’s gross domestic product.
“Although only Lae, Port Moresby and Kimbe are commercially self-sustaining, every port delivers significant social and economic benefits, with earnings from major ports helping fund operations at smaller facilities.
The assessment identified Aitape Port as a critical lifeline for Aitape-Lumi District. Since the port became unusable, cargo has been transported by road between Aitape and Wewak, a journey of three to five hours each way along a route prone to flooding at multiple river crossings.”
Air freight is too expensive for most goods, while heavy cash crops such as cocoa cannot be transported economically to other ports.
Once redeveloped, the SoE company said, Aitape Port is expected to handle around 25,000 tonnes of cargo annually and support approximately K101 million in regional economic activity each year.
The project was officially launched by Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and Minister for State Enterprises William Duma, alongside Aitape-Lumi MP Anderson Mise and other dignitaries.
Minister Duma said the redevelopment fulfilled a commitment to bring larger vessels back to Aitape.
“Aitape is one of the remote ports, like Vanimo and Wewak, that are lifelines where road connectivity is impractical,” Mr. Duma said.
“Moving people and freight to other destinations will be cheaper and more reliable.”
China Harbour Engineering Company (PNG) Limited will deliver the project over 12 months.
The work includes constructing a new main wharf and mooring dolphin structure, rehabilitating the approach trestle and small ship wharf, and installing new fenders, bollards and other wharf fittings.
The new fender systems will protect the wharf and trestle from vessel berthing impacts, helping extend the lifespan of the infrastructure.
When completed, the port will facilitate safer and more reliable transportation of cargo, passengers, household goods, medical supplies and school materials.
It will also improve market access for local producers of seafood, cocoa, vanilla and fresh produce.
PNG Ports chief executive officer Neil Papenfus said the company recognised the need for a lasting solution rather than temporary repairs.
“We recognised that Aitape needed a lasting solution, not a temporary repair,” Mr Papenfus said.
“Today, we are proud to launch these works, funded by PNG Ports at a cost of K25 million.”
He said the port belonged to the local community and PNG Ports was committed to delivering a facility that would serve the people for many years.
Minister Duma also called on community leaders, landowners, churches and police to work together to protect the port infrastructure and support PNG Ports’ maintenance plan.
PNG Ports acknowledged Kumul Consolidated Holdings, the West Sepik Provincial Government, the Aitape-Lumi District Development Authority, and the people and customary landowners of Aitape for supporting the redevelopment.