Connect PNG inquiry: ‘quality at risk’ as contractors fail international standards

Public Accounts Committee member Douglas Tomuriesa questioning Works and Highways department heads during the inquiry early this week *(Image: PNG Parliament)*

The massive ‘Connect PNG’ program has come under fire during a Public Accounts Committee [PAC] inquiry, following revelations that most contractors engaged in the multi-billion kina project lack internationally recognized engineering certifications.

The inquiry revealed that a majority of firms are operating without Federation Internationale des Ingénieurs-Conseils [FIDIC] certification; the global 'gold standard' for engineering and construction contracts designed to ensure infrastructure is durable, safe, and cost-effective.

Kiriwina-Goodenough MP and PAC member Douglas Tomuriesa raised the alarm on day two of the inquiry, questioning how the Department of Works and Highways can guarantee the longevity of new roads if the builders do not understand FIDIC principles.

"FIDIC is the goalpost for us to start from," Tomuriesa said. "How many of our contractors are in compliance? Have they attended contract courses or practiced the value and business standards FIDIC provides? Certification ensures projects are built to a high standard and will last."

Tomuriesa argued that without these standards, the Connect PNG program risks falling into a cycle of constant repairs rather than long-term development.

Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba admitted to the committee that the current pool of local contractors is not up to speed with international benchmarks. He cited the high cost of training as a primary barrier for local firms.

"As it is now, they are not FIDIC certified," Holemba said. "It is an expensive training, and many contractors struggle to acquire it."

Holemba said the department has been trying to bridge the gap by training its own internal engineers to oversee the uncertified firms. He said a new 'Contractor Development Policy' has been established as part of institutional reforms to eventually get local builders certified.

The inquiry outlined a critical bottleneck in PNG's development where the desire to use local contractors versus the necessity for international quality is in play.

Tomuriesa said while the government aims to support PNG-owned businesses, the lack of FIDIC compliance suggests that billions of kina are being funneled into projects that may not meet the engineering rigors required for the country’s challenging terrain.

The Department of Works has faced mounting pressure over the past two days, explaining why these standards were not made mandatory before the commencement of Connect PNG contracts.