heritage

PNG’s new

centre

Plans to further develop the tourism industry in Papua New Guinea are well under way with the cabinet’s {approval for the construction of a (Constitutional Park and National Heritage [Centre, a project undertaken by the PNG (National Museum and Art Gallery.

Information provided by the PNG (Tourism Promotion Authority show that among the features of the park will be a

scientific education and cultural infras tructure as well as an artificial lake and

sculpture park, natu

ral theme parks with endemic plants and animals, a confer ence centre, restau-

rant, coffee shop, picnic and barbecue facilities and other facilities.

The sculpture garden will pay tribute to PNG’s political and historical leaders.

Civil Aviation, Culture and Tourism Minister Michael Nall said the project was the first of its kind for the country and was a major facelift for Port Moresby and Papua New Guinea as a whole.

Nall said the project had an enormous potential to benefit the country in terms of employment and revenue. The proposed

project will be a realistic step towards

implementing the government’s employ

ment and income policy, he said. This is related to tourism, education, culture, employment, infrastructure and the pro tection of the natural environment in an urban setting.

The development of the Constitution Park and National Heritage Centre will be a direct response to the increasing call for action to protect both the man-made and natural heritage of the country in the face of the increasing exploitation of the nation’s natural resources and cultural and

historical heritage.

The project is expected to be complet ed in the new millennium - September 2000 - and will cost K 43 million ($U527.3 million) and will serve as an added tourist attraction to what PNG already has to offer. ■