Cpl Mark Casey supervises armoury construction Photo provided by 19 CE Works PMT

Remotely worked

By Capt Lachlan McLean
IN JANUARY of this year 19 CE Works deployed a Project Management Team (PMT) of five personnel to manage and supervise construction of armouries for the PNGDF.

The project is funded by Strategic and International Policy Division and supported by Australian Defence Staff in PNG as a part of the Defence Cooperation Program, with a current project budget of approximately $2 million.

Assistance is provided by PNGDF members in each location. The contracted completion date is July 7, 2003.

The armouries will be built in four locations, with three of these – Manus Island, Wewak and Vanimo – considered to be extremely remote, with limited civilian and defence infrastructure.

The experience of 19 CE Works in working in remote locations is being tested once again in conditions that are considered similar to those experienced in remote Aboriginal communities during AACAP projects.

In-country support is provided by 19 CE Works project head office, located at Igam Barracks, Lae, the second largest town in PNG.

To support the project, the unit has recruited NCOs from 21 Const Sqn to fill the positions of works supervisor in the four construction locations.

They are responsible for construction quality and are required to perform the role of contract administrator’s representative.

This important role sees the works supervisors working in concert with local construction contractors.

Construction is currently underway on Manus Island and Lae with the Wewak and Vanimo sites due to start in February and March respectively.

The project will enable the 19 CE Works to participate in a significant and high profile DCP task, while providing them the opportunity to develop their project management skills in a challenging and unfamiliar environment.

Success will not only depend on a sound plan, design, specification and contract, but will rely on teamwork, initiative, professionalism and dedication of all PMT members, construction contractors, PNGDF and ADS personnel.

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