Stabilization work begins for APEC Haus

Stabilization work on the reclaimed beachfront area for the construction of the APEC Haus has begun.

Minister for Sports, National Events and APEC, Justin Tkatcnehnko visited the APEC Haus construction site on Friday and announced the start of piling work.

Piling involves the drilling and simultaneous placement of concrete to ensure stability.

CPB Contractors Project Engineer, Denmark Gimisive, says the piling work is an additional foundation to stabilize the area for the construction work to begin.

“This is reclaimed land and we have liquefaction from the sea that might affect the foundation so we have this piling in place to at least cater for the load,” he said.

Tkatchencko, following inspection of the piling work said following the APEC event the building will be turned into a multipurpose venue.

“The building itself will be iconic, promoting the Hiri Moale Festival traditions and cultures and will also be turned into a National Museum to promote and celebrate the Motu Koita traditions,” he said.

“It will be there as well as an exhibition centre and a conference centre, café’s and recreational facilities for our general public.”

A Soilmec SF-65 Hydraulic CFA rotary rig will be used the piling project and it is one of the largest type available weighing in excess of 50 tonnes; the unit being deployed on APEC Haus is relatively new and has been shipped into Papua New Guinea from Brisbane.

APEC Haus is owned by National Capital District Commission (NCDC), and is being project managed by Oil Search Ltd under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme on behalf of the Government of PNG at a cost of K150 million.

The Project moved into the detailed design phase on the 1st of February 2017 with the goal of practical completion in July 2018.

Picture: Denmark Gimisive speaking to Minister Tkatchnko as piling work takes place foreground. (Credit: Oil Search Public Relations)

Author: 
Cedric Patjole