The long-abandoned jetty approach on Watom Island in Rabaul District of the East New Britain (ENB) was officially recommissioned recently after undergoing much needed maintenance work. The 32-metre-long jetty once served as the main link for goods and services on the island more than two decades ago was faced with weakening and eroding structures at its approach which prompted urgent response. The project is a counter-funded initiative under the PSIP and DSIP funding with cost totaling to K850, 000 and implemented by contractor NewLand Real Estate Ltd. Works included realigning the edge beam of the approach using boulders and pouring in new concrete to reinforce and stabilize the structure. Officially opening the jetty was the ENB Governor, Michael Marum, Rabaul MP Dr. Allan Marat and Provincial Administrator Levi Mano, and witnessed by the communities. When giving his keynote address, Dr. Marat commended the district administration and Watom LLG for such impact project and added that it is the main gateway for goods and services. “This is not just an infrastructure project but also an economic project funded by the national government and we must take ownership and look after it,” said Marat. Also speaking during the official opening was Watom LLG President, Enos Pulumen who expressed his gratitude for such development. “This jetty has been lying idle for years and has crippled communities in terms of accessibility; transporting cocoa, copra, fish, and other fresh produce to the mainland.” “We are also happy that we can now have access to larger vessels bringing services to the island,” said Pulumen. Meanwhile, the acting district administrator, Freddy Lemeki, also commended the contractor and the district infrastructure sector for successfully completing the jetty within its scheduled timeframe. He added that the jetty will complement the Watom Ring Road, which was also launched recently with work expected to begin soon.