16 December 2022
After 15 months of planning, digging and training, a 100-person accommodation building was opened at Igam Barracks, Lae, in Papua New Guinea.
Families, veterans and community members from across the province attended the opening ceremony on December 13.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Jon Philp, and PNG Chief of Defence Force, Major General Mark Goina, congratulated the soldiers on their efforts.
Mr Philp commended the work done and the contribution it had made to the broader Defence Cooperation Program.
"We are proud to support your efforts to ensure all defence infrastructure is fit for purpose, future-proofed, and designed to be easily maintained and sustainable," Mr Philp said.
"This project is particularly significant to Australia and Papua New Guinea. It represents a new model for partnered infrastructure projects under our Defence Cooperation Program."
The Igam Barracks project established a new system for the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) to internally raise and train PNGDF construction tradesmen.
During the construction, six carpenters, four plumbers and three electricians from the PNGDF achieved nationally recognised apprenticeships.
"We are incredibly proud of the 13 PNGDF soldiers who achieved their certificates through this project," Mr Philp said.
The building was named after the late Chief Warrant Officer Ezekia Takuru, the first Sergeant Major of the Independent Engineer Company and Second Force Sergeant Major of the PNGDF, who embodied outstanding leadership and dedication to serving his country.
"I know the men and women who live and work in this facility will represent these qualities and will proudly serve in his memory," Mr Philp said.
Australian Army Sergeant Euclid Rodriguez, who worked hand-in-hand with the PNGDF soldiers, said he valued the opportunity.
"It's been a very rewarding experience working with the PNGDF,” Sergeant Rodriguez said.
"Seeing the trade trainees developing their skills has been a highlight for me.”
