Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended nationally-owned Haom Builders for its exemplary work in completing the K10.6 million Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd (CICL) Coffee Exports Office Complex in Lae. The iconic building was officially opened last Thursday by Prime Minister Marape after Haom General Manager Herman Anep handed over the keys.
“It warms my heart when faithful contractors like Haom Builders can deliver such a major project within budget,” the Prime Minister said.
“I thank Haom Builders for building this magnificent new complex and look forward to giving you much such work.”
The newly inaugurated coffee exports building, located on Kisere Street in the heart of Lae, is set to become the central hub for crucial operations, including contract registration, shipment notification, contract verification, physical coffee inspection, sampling, recording/logging, quality analysis, export certification, and overseeing the movement of coffee to the wharf for shipment.
The opening of this four-storey complex is particularly timely as China recently lifted all bio- security restrictions on agricultural produce from Papua New Guinea, including coffee. This landmark decision heralds a new era of opportunity for the country’s agricultural sector, facilitating expanded trade relations with China and other global markets. The development also coincides with a growing international demand for coffee.
Prime Minister Marape said one of his government’s main focuses since 2019, when it took office, was to empower Papua New Guineans in all spaces, including contracting.
“One of our focuses was to ensure that Papua New Guinean contractors get contracts. All contractors worth K10 million and below should be awarded to PNG contractors, and not overseas contractors,” the Prime Minister said.
“First preference should be given to PNG contractors for contracts worth between K10 million and K30 million, or they should be in a joint-venture with an overseas company, while contracts above K30 million are an open bid.
“It totally pleases me to see a Papua New Guinea contractor proving that there are many things that we can do.
“To all Papua New Guineans out there: Get your hands dirty and do something. And do it faithfully.
“Some people get paid for doing a job and they don’t complete it but walk away with the money.
“We have skeletons of half -completed projects all over our country.”