Papua New Guinea set for 2015 Pacific Games infrastructure boost

On 4th July 2015, 4,000 athletes and officials from 22 countries across the Pacific region will assemble in Port Moresby for the Pacific Games 2015. The work to prepare for the quadrennial Games has already begun, with a K760 million (US$362 million) budget allocated, of which K200 million (US$96 million) has already been granted.

The bulk of this budget - about K700 million (US$335 million) - has been ear-marked for essential infrastructure projects, including the major redevelopment of Sir John Guise Stadium (itself built and donated by China for the 1991 Games), a new sports complex, new halls of residence at the University of Papua New Guinea campus (which will serve as athlete accommodation) and 20 other redevelopments.

Games Chief Executive Peter Stewart believes hosting the Games will boost the local economy, improve infrastructure and even have a transformative effect on PNG politics.

Last year Stewart, a veteran of the 2010 Commonwealth Games and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat that preparations for a big event like the Games focuses everyone's attention on a common goal.

He explained "you need all of the government agencies to be working together.

"We've found certainly in other places that after the Games those groups say 'this is fantastic'... and it actually encourages better communication among government agencies and government bodies well after the Games are gone."

Stewart says the investment put into infrastructure, such as transport, can also have a lasting effect, stating "the last Games in 1991 established a public transport system here in Port Moresby.

"We're hopeful that this Games will leave a similar legacy for the next 20 years with improved services for the local community after the Games."

Stewart also sees that PNG economy will be boosted by supplying the Pacific Games stating "this is a games for PNG and we'd like as much money as possible to stay in PNG."

In preparation for the Games, reconstruction work needed to be undertaken at its three major venues, with minor renovations to 20 more venues.

All work has been overseen by the Games' Venues, Infrastructure and Equipment Committee, with projects tendered via the PNG Government's Central Supply and Tenders Board.

However, Stewart also expects to spend a further K120 million on "small things" - everything from fleet vehicles, flights, catering and staff through to pots and pans, cleaning and waste services, TVs, fencing and fireworks.

Stewart has ensured that Games organisers are conducting 'best practice' purchasing, buying first from sponsors on a preferred-supplier basis, and then from those companies who have registered as suppliers.

In addition to venues, the Games Organising Committee is also building a 4,000 bed hotel with a 12,000 meal-per-day restaurant, a fast food chain and a health system for 8,000 workers and athletes.

Stewart is confident the venues will be ready not only for the Games, but for pre-Games test events, stating "we'll be able to provide a really high level of service to our spectators, to our teams, officials, our workforce and of course our athletes.

"If the enthusiasm of all the people that I've dealt with can be channelled into delivery ... we will have a fantastic Games."

9th October 2013 - BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EMERGE FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S HOSTING OF THE 2015 PACIFIC GAMES