By BARBARA DERUAGE - The National
THE new K469 million court house in Waigani, Port Moresby, is facing delays because of lack of funding, an official says.
The message was relayed to Prime Minister James Marape by infrastructure adviser Jason Stewart when he toured the site last Friday.
The project began in 2016.
Stewart said K340 million was needed to complete the project to house 15 court rooms including one to be used for ceremonial sittings, 13 judges chamber, offices for the National and Supreme Court Registrars and office space for corporate services.
He told Marape the court complex should be expected by the end of next year depending on the availability of funding.
“We have received funding over the last years but we still need more funding to complete the building,” he said.
We are hoping to complete the building by the end of next year should we receive funding in this budget and the budget next year.”
Marape, who was accompanied by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and court officials, said it would be an “iconic” structure when completed.
“This building will be a testament that we have a vibrant judiciary,” he said.
“When this is complete, this will be a monumental iconic structure that will signal to the world out there that our judiciary is strong and robust.
“We (will) ensure that this project is delivered on time and our judiciary can take residence here to dispense justice as accurately as possible.”
Sir Salika submitted a report on the project on Sept 26 in anticipation of the tabling of 2020 Budget next month.
Marape said he could not preempt the outcome of the budget process “but I will give you respect as the third arm of the government and hopefully we can complete the building at the earliest”.
Marape commended former Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia for his vision, foresight and leadership.
He also commended Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika who was then Sir Salamo’s deputy and members of the judiciary for the initiative.
The contractor is the China Railway Construction Engineering Corporation.
Go to this link for more: https://www.thenational.com.pg/funds-issue-delays-project/
