Preliminary fieldwork is well underway to determine the feasibility of the concept design for the Nauru port development project, with a number of consultancy phases reaching completion.
Following the signing of the work commencement document and contract in June of this year, the final interim report on unexploded ordinances (UXOs) assessment was completed and submitted in September.
Work is progressing for the final interim report on geotechnical investigations, topography and bathymetric survey will be submitted by the end of October.
It is expected that the decision to proceed with the port project will be jointly given by the Nauru government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) on 31 October. The decision will be based on the overall cost of the project and feasibility of the project.
In the concept design, an 80 metre long wharf is to be constructed along the reef edge adjacent to the boat harbour as well as a rock filled causeway that will connect the wharf to the shore wharf.
Also included in the design is the planned construction of new office buildings, a workshop and a paved container storage yard.
Moreover, the project also plans to provide consultancy work towards capacity building and institutional strengthening to improve the efficiency of port operations, security, asset management, occupational health and safety, and tariff structure. The final report on consultancy work is expected to be submitted in September 2017.
To ensure smooth progress of the port project a Steering Committee and the Project Management Unit (PMU) was established by cabinet on 19 August, comprising of the various heads of departments from finance, transport, the Australian High commission, Ronphos, Nauru Port Authority, Eigigu Holdings Corporation, justice and the team leader of the Mooring Task Force.
The committee’s main duties are to oversee and monitor the implementation and progress of the port development project.
The PMU’s main duties include reviewing reports and coordinating project implementation schedule as well as payment applications for contractors and suppliers.