DIVISION OF TECHNICAL SERVICES

Overview

The Division of Technical Services (DoWTS) within West New Britain Province (WNBP)

focuses on essential infrastructure development and maintenance programs aimed at improving

regional connectivity and access to services.  The primary purpose of the Division of Technical Services is to execute outlined projects efficiently while ensuring the development and maintenance of critical infrastructure from one end of the province to the other.

The key objectives include:

  • Improving overall quality of life for residents by providing reliable access to transport and utility services
  • Promoting economic growth through improved infrastructure that supports trade, tourism, and local industries
  • Enhancing safety and connectivity across three Districts within the Province, facilitating better access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
  • Supporting sustainable development practices that consider environmental factors alongside infrastructural advancements

By focusing on these areas, the Division of Technical Services aims to foster a connected, vibrant, and resilient West New Britain Province.

Core Functions

The core functions and the key functions of the Division of Technical Services are as follows:

  • Infrastructure Planning & Development (Core)
  • Engineering Design & Technical Support (Core)
  • Project Management & Implementation (Core)
  • Asset Management & Technical Support (Core)

Key Functions

The key functions of the Division of Technical Services are as follows:

  • Building & Construction Regulation (Key)
  • Environmental & Safety Compliance (Key)
  • Procurement & Contract Administrations (Key)
  • Technical Data, GIS & Records Management (Key)
  • Capacity Building & Advisory Services (Key)
  • Coordination, Policy & Reporting (Key)

Key Responsibilities

The Division is responsible for:

1. INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING & DESIGN

  • Plan and design provincial roads, bridges, wharves & jetties, airstrips, drainages, and

public buildings.

  • Prepare technical drawings, specifications, and cost estimates
  • Carry out feasibility studies and site investigations

2. CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

  • Supervise construction of provincial infrastructure projects
  • Manage contracts with contractors and consultants
  • Monitor projects’ progress, quality, cost, and timelines.
  • Ensure compliance with provincial and national standards, codes, and safety

requirements.

3. MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ASSETS

  • Organise routine and emergency maintenance for roads, buildings, water systems and

other provincial assets

  • Develop and implement maintenance schedules and asset management plans
  • Inspect infrastructure and identify defects or safety risks

4. BUILDING CONTROL & TECHNICAL REGULATION

  • Enforce building standards, codes, and relevant regulations
  • Vet and approve building plans for compliance (Where the function is delegated

to the province)

  • Inspect construction works and issue compliance notices and recommendations

5. WATER SUPPLY, SANITATION & MINOR UTILITIES (WHERE APPLICABLE)

  • Support design and maintenance of small water supply systems, sanitation facilities

and drainage in rural and urban areas.

  • Provide technical support to LLGs and communities on basic infrastructure.

6. TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO OTHER DIVISIONS & LLGS

  • Provide engineering and technical advice to education, health, agriculture, and

other sectors for their facilities.

  • Assist districts and LLGs with scoping, design, and delivery of local projects

under DSIP/PSIP or other funds.

7. PROCUREMENT & ASSET MANAGEMENT

  • Prepare technical specifications for procurement of construction works, materials,
  • Vehicles, and equipment.
  • Keep records of provincial plant, machinery, and infrastructure assets.
  • Oversee use, servicing, and replacement of technical equipment.

8. ENVIRONMENT AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE

  • Integrate environmental safeguards into project design and implementation
  • Liaise with CEPA or relevant authorities on permits and environmental impact

issues.

  • Promote workplace health and safety practices on all worksites

10. CAPACITY BUILDING & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

  • Train and mentor technical staff at provincial and district levels.
  • Engage with communities and ward councillors on project identification, design
  • choices, and maintenance responsibilities

 Programs & Services

The Division of Technical Services delivers the following programs and services:

  1. Technical Service Management

This program plays a significant role in providing leadership and management within the division while administering and managing the sustainability of all public infrastructures across the province.

  • Roads
  • Development and maintenance of the road network to enhance transportation efficiency across the province
  • Ensure safe and reliable access for vehicles, pedestrians, and emergency services
  • Bridges
  • Construction and refurbishment of bridges to facilitate safe crossings over

rivers and other obstacles

  • Enhancing connectivity between communities separated by geographic

barriers.

  • Buildings
  • New Construction Projects; Management and execution of new

building developments, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

  • Renovation and Remodelling Programs: Upgrading existing buildings to meet current standards and improve functionality.
  • Facility Maintenance Services: Ongoing maintenance tasks, including HVAC servicing, plumbing checks, and electrical systems maintenance

to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Wharves and Jetties
  • Construction of jetties to support harvesting activities, particularly in coastal and riverine areas
  • Maintenance of infrastructures that support fisheries and the transportation of

agricultural products

  • Airstrips (Existing)
  • Development and upgrading of Airstrips to improve air transport

accessibility

  • Ensure the efficient movement of people and goods by air, connecting

remote areas to a larger urban center.

  • Stadiums
  • Events Preparation and Maintenance: ensuring that facilities are ready for events, which includes cleaning, seating repairs, and utility checks before and after.
  • Safety and Security upgrades; Programs focusing on enhancing safety features, such as security systems and emergency exits.
  • Rural Electrification
  • Initiatives to expand electrical infrastructure and power supply across rural and urban areas.
  • Promoting sustainable energy access to improve living standards and support local economies.

Structure & Leadership

The Division is headed by the Executive Manager, who oversees teams responsible for specific

functional areas, including:

  • Office Administration
  • Civil Works
  • Building Works

Strategic Focus

The Division of Technical Services is committed to:

  • Innovation: Continuously exploring new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance service delivery
  • Collaboration: Fostering collaboration within teams and across departments to leverage technical expertise and resources effectively.
  • Customer-Centric Approach: Ensuring that all technical services are designed to meet the needs of users and stakeholders.
  • Sustainability: Develop sustainable technical practices that minimize environmental impact while maintaining efficiency.

Contact Information

For enquiries related to this division, please contact:

Division: Technical Services

Phone:

Email:

Location: Kimbe-PHQ