The proposed convention center at Waigani in the nation’s capital has been left incomplete, since August last year.
Chinese nationals, who worked there, have all returned to China since then.
The Chinese Embassy and the National Government have been tight-lipped about the progress of the convention center.
The convention center is by far China’s single largest project in Papua New Guinea. The project began last year, and is estimated at a cost of K70 million.
But since last year, work on the facility ceased temporarily, when contractors left the country after being attacked by criminals. Police have been stationed at the site to man the place, day and night.
Earlier, construction company CJIC said, it is arranging the return of the workers, but to no avail. This has raised doubt as to whether; the facility will be completed in time for upcoming international events.
The proposed facility is expected to cater for upcoming international events such as the Melanesian Arts Festival, and the 2018 APEC Meeting.
This will not be the case anymore as organizers for the 5th Melanesian Arts Festival, have cleared the surrounding area to host the festival.
The festival will be held in June with participants from all Melanesian countries including West Papua, Torres Strait and Timor Leste. National Arts and Cultural Commission is working on a tight schedule, to deliver the festival on time.
The government has allocated K20 million for the festival. The Department of National Planning, and Chinese Embassy, were not available to comment on the issue.
