Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

PNG relocation to ahead to build new Lae port

Posted at 03:40 on 14 November, 2008 UTC

The Papua New Guinea Government says there has been overwhelming support from settlers asked to move from land so a major port development in Lae can go ahead.

The Minister of Public Enterprise, Arthur Somare, says the 184 million US dollar Lae Port Extension project has crossed an important hurdle, with settlers agreeing to take cash to help them relocate.

Construction of the facility, which will enable Lae port to handle ships of up to 200 metres length, is being undertaken by the Independent Public Business Corporation in conjunction with the Asian Development Bank.

Mr Somare says improved shipping services will lead to lower costs for imported goods and increase the nation’s export competitiveness.

About 500 households involving more than 3,000 people will move.