Sir Manasupe Haus has special features

More than 500 new local jobs were created during the construction of the refurbished Marea Haus which is renamed as the Sir Manasupe Haus.

The project also includes a notable female proportion of the workforce with outstanding safety statistics achieved during the project, with around 700,000 man hours worked on the job from start to finish.

Oil Search’s Executive General Manager for Stakeholder Engagement Gerea Aopi when officially handing over the keys to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill on Wednesday said it is an occasion of great significance in many ways.

“It is significant because of the cooperation of many organisations and individuals who have made the refurbishment possible; the national government, local authorities, numerous contractors and for Oil Search, the very first major project to manage in the nation’s capital.”

The integrated building systems were designed by locally-based engineering consultant Kramer Ausenco. The building was designed by local architects Pacific Architects consortium, and the project was also assisted by locally based Cost Plan Services. The construction work on the building was undertaken by L&A Construction.

The refurbished Sir Manasupe House comprises 12 levels, nine of which are office areas made up of open plan modern offices, executive office, reception areas, meeting and conference rooms. The building also boasts special features, such as onsite parking for 200 or more cars and backup systems for power and water supply.

In 2013, the Government appointed Oil Search as project manager for the refurbishment of the iconic Port Moresby building known locally as the ‘Pineapple Building’ which had fallen derelict. Its refurbishment was the flagship project under the National Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme.

The Government introduced the National Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme Bill to cater for the refurbishment of Marea House and the redevelopment of Lloyd Robson oval now renamed the National Football Stadium. Both projects are being managed by Oil Search under the tax credit scheme.

The occasion was witnessed by senior government officials, heads of missions, business executives and officers.

Author: 
Freddy Mou