Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, had presented K500, 000 to the Southern Highlands PNG Games Host Organizing Committee (SHPHOC) to begin preparations for the 2020 Grassroots Games.
He made the presentation in Port Moresby to Chairman of the SHPHOC, Sape Molumi, on Moday January 14th.
The K500, 000 presented is from the 2018 commitment made by Provincial Government.
This amount is separate from the K10 million which has been allocated in the 2019 Provincial Budget for the necessary infrastructure.
Governor Powi said the presentation is a sign of the commitment of the Provincial Government. Games.
He said despite the many issues such as law and order and the aftermath of the February 2019 earthquake, they are confident of hosting a successful Games.
“As the Governor of the Southern Highlands and the host province of the PNG Games in 2020, I would like to say that my provincial government is committed to ensuring that the province is well prepared to host what we intend to be the very best and a very successful PNG Games.”
Chairman of the SHPHOC, Sape Molumi, thanked the Governor for the support and that it will go a long way to help the committee prepare for the Games.
“I wish to convey my gratitude to the Governor, the Southern Highlands Provincial Government and the National Government for the payment. It shows the commitment t ensuring a smooth and safe game come 2020.”
The committee has made a submission of K180 million to build the necessary facilities for the Games. These includes sports venues, accommodation, logistics, and other necessities.
40% of the total is expected to be footed by the Corporate Sector with discussions already underway.
Governor Powi said the Prime Minister Peter O’Neil has given his assurance that the Games will go ahead and an initial K2 million under thw3 Public Investment Programme has been allocated for 2019.
21 sporting codes are expected to be on display at the PNG Games in Southern Highlands which will be held in November 2020.
Meanwhile CEO of the PNG Sports Foundation, Peter Tsiamalili Jnr, says they have made it known to the Host Organizing Committee that key essentials must be in place for the benefit of athletes and officials during the Games.
These include accommodation, clean water and sanitation among others.
He said this have been part of the planning process over the last few years.