Construction is now underway on a new $300,000 purpose-built cargo shed for Mauke, marking an important milestone in efforts to improve freight infrastructure and services for the island community.
The Government-funded project is being delivered through its capital expenditure programme, with completion expected in early November.
The start of works was formally marked with a ground-breaking ceremony in mid-August, bringing together Mauke’s traditional leaders, the Religious Advisory Council, Island Government representatives, project representatives and members of the community.
The occasion reflected the significance of the project locally, with Mauke’s three paramount pillars — traditional leadership, the church and Island Government — represented alongside the Mayor, Island Council members, Mauke Island Government staff and members of the public.
The new cargo shed will measure 16.5 metres wide by 21.5 metres long and six metres high, providing Mauke with a dedicated, fit-for-purpose facility for the protection, handling and temporary storage of freight moving to and from the island.
For residents, businesses and government services reliant on regular sea freight, the shed will provide an important long-term asset and a significant improvement on existing cargo arrangements.
Mauke Executive Officer Nooroa Numangawelcomed the commencement of construction after the planning and work required to bring the project to the delivery stage.
“Long time coming however it is here and this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Numanga acknowledged the contribution of Cook Islands Investment Corporation Chief Executive Allan Jensen, General Manager Asset Management Vasie Ngatoko-Poila, Project Officer Troy Penno and Mauke MP Stephen Matapo, whose continued persistence had helped bring the project to fruition.
CIIC Chief Executive Allan Jensen said the project was another example of the importance of continuing to invest in practical infrastructure across the Pa Enua.
“For our Pa Enua communities, infrastructure such as this may not always be large in scale, but it makes a very real difference to everyday life and to the reliability of essential services.
“Sea freight is a lifeline for Mauke. Having a dedicated facility where cargo can be properly handled, protected and temporarily stored will benefit households, businesses and government services across the island.
“It is particularly pleasing to see construction now underway following the considerable work by the Mauke Island Government, CIIC and everyone involved in getting the project to this point.”
The project is being delivered with Simiona Wichman as Project Engineer, Tony Harford as construction contractor and Troy Penno as Project Manager, with works now progressing on site.
The Mauke Cargo Shed forms part of the Government and CIIC’s continuing investment in essential Pa Enua infrastructure, aimed at strengthening the reliability and resilience of services available to island communities.
