TheLandofPapua.com – The Papua Public Works, Public Housing, and Settlement Area Agency (DPU, PRKP) organized a one-day workshop aimed at enhancing infrastructure quality in Biak Numfor and Supiori Regencies.

The event, held at the Swiss Bellhotel Cendrawasih in Biak on Monday, December 2, 2024, focused on utilizing public works laboratories for construction testing and quality assurance.

Yenny Pigome, Head of the Regional Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) for Testing and Laboratory of Papua DPU, PRKP, highlighted the essential role of laboratory testing in infrastructure projects.

“Without laboratory testing, we believe buildings will fail to meet proper construction standards,” she remarked.

Pigome elaborated that materials used in construction must undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety and durability. “Two types of testing are conducted: field testing, where materials are collected from the site, and laboratory testing, where these materials are analyzed to guide construction services,” she explained.

The UPTD Testing and Laboratory serves as a cornerstone for quality assurance and supervision in regional construction projects.

Addressing Challenges in Infrastructure Development

Acting Secretary of Biak Regency, Francisco Olla, S.Sos., MM, emphasized the importance of building expertise among infrastructure developers. He acknowledged that regional projects have faced setbacks due to insufficient information on construction quality standards, leading to construction failures.

“As infrastructure developers, we must maintain high dedication and understand the critical role of laboratories in achieving quality outcomes,” Olla stated.

He encouraged stakeholders to maximize the use of the UPTD Testing and Laboratory as a quality control hub in planning and executing infrastructure projects.

Collaborative Efforts for Future Growth

The workshop saw the participation of 50 representatives from Biak Numfor and Supiori. Organized by Olivia Apono, the event underscored the agency’s commitment to preparing competent developers and laying the groundwork for sustainable infrastructure programs.

The session concluded with an official opening by the Acting Secretary of Biak Numfor, accompanied by the Heads of Public Works from Biak Numfor and the Papua DPU, PRKP.

“This initiative is a stepping stone for implementing future infrastructure programs that adhere to high standards of quality,” Olla added.

By bringing together local governments and infrastructure experts, the event aims to ensure Papua’s construction projects meet robust safety and quality benchmarks, paving the way for long-term regional development.