The Papua New Guinea National Research Institute (PNGNRI) is one step ahead in developing the PNG Knowledge Hub with the launch of a new research building today.
The new Thomas Webster Research Building was officially opened today by Fabian Chow, the son of the late NRI Council chairman Sir Henry Chow, on the PNGNRI Waigani Campus.
The new building is one of the major components of the Knowledge Hub’s physical landscape and infrastructure.
NRI Director Dr Charles Yala thanked everyone during the launch that has contributed to the successful competition of the new infrastructure.
Dr Yala said the new building starts this long journey of refurbishing and modernising the existing infrastructure and developing new infrastructure that will make the Knowledge Hub vision a reality. He stressed that the K1.2m project has been completed on time and on budget from the start of the demolition to the completion of the building which took six months.
The building comprises of adequate office space that caters for 25 people, one large conference room, new office furniture and network to provide a paperless working environment.
Former PNGNRI Director Dr Thomas Webster was honored to have a building named after him. Dr Webster said it will certainly be a pleasant working atmosphere for all researchers and hopes that this working environment will lead to greater productivity.
The project was managed internally and PNGNRI procured the materials and engaged labour for building and installations.
PNGNRI engaged three local subcontractors and about 40 Papua New Guineans employed in the project. This marks the completion of phase one development of the refurbishment plan.