Specifically, the PGC requested that a process be implemented where the VIEC’s venue delivery timelines be assessed and fully integrated with the GOC’s needs to take possession of the venues with sufficient time to deliver the Games successfully.
This week’s visit was planned to assess the progress of this integration process so that final decisions could be made as to where each sport will be conducted during the Games.
During the week, the PGC President and Executive Director attended the Pacific Games Authority meeting, and the weekly Games stakeholders meeting, both chaired by Mr Kostas Constantinou. A comprehensive tour of all of the main Games venues was also undertaken and follow up meetings were then held with representatives of the VIEC, GOC and PNG Olympic Committee.
Whilst the PGC has been concerned for several years at the chronic delays and lost time involved in the construction program for the Games venues, very significant progress has been made in the construction program over the past four months.
As a result, the PGC remains confident that the Games will proceed as scheduled and that each of the 28 sports will have a suitable field of play. Adequate contingency plans for the location of Netball and Table Tennis have been made by the GOC and the PGC supports the activation of this plan.
However, the overall success of the 2015 Games and the positive image the Games will portray of Papua New Guinea remains in the balance. The PGC accepts that some Games venues will not be fully completed in advance of the Games and will require some final construction works once the Games are completed.
All stakeholders must now accept this reality and arrangements made for the hand-over of clean, secure and safety certified venues to the GOC by next May at the latest so that Pacific Games competitions are not seen to be being conducted inside construction zones and that the safety of the athletes within the venues is assured.
This process of venue delivery integration which PGC requested in July has commenced but has not been completed. It must now be fast-tracked and finished.
We expect further significant progress in the construction program will be evident when the PGC returns in early February, and the Chefs de Mission from each of the 22 participating countries visit next March. By early February, the PGC also expects the GOC will have total certainty and confidence in the agreed hand-over program.
Mr Lakhan noted the positive changes that have occurred since July and in particular commended the tireless work of Chairman Kostas Constantinou and the GOC.
Mr Lakhan said, “Recent developments have gone another step towards satisfying the Council that Papua New Guinea will be ready to host the Pacific Games in 2015. The Council’s confidence levels continue to improve, but critically important work remains to be done to guarantee a successful Pacific Games in 2015. The GOC, supported by the PNG Olympic Committee, will deliver a successful Games if the venues are provided to them in a timely manner”.
