Sappers think outside the square

Soldiers from 6ESR have been testing new skills and taking on new challenges while delivering a major infrastructure upgrade at Moem Barracks in Papua New Guinea.

Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, plant operators, draughtsmen and combat engineers are laying a five-kilometre mains and fire water system in the 2nd Royal Pacific Islands Regiment’s central operations precinct.

In addition to battling supply and logistics challenges to get materials to the remote location, the soldiers have had to employ new skills.

While laying pipe is nothing unusual for 6ESR plumbers, electrofusion welding to join and seal the pipes is a first for them.

“It’s pretty exciting from the plumbers’ point of view,” plumber LCpl Michael Ashton-Ekiert said. 

“This has been a massive learning curve for us to get the system right.

“This is one of the coolest jobs I’ve had in Defence – it’s a big civil job, compared to our normal fare of roofing, cladding and bathrooms. It’s a big challenge.”

The electricians have also ticked off a first, replacing and upgrading the overhead mains connections across the base.

“This project has been a whole new ball game for us,” Spr Matthew Manivilovski said. 

“I believe it is a first for Defence for doing overhead mains connections to each of the buildings.

“It’s been a major stepping stone for us – first doing the training for it and then coming here and executing the job.”

Despite delays in the delivery of critical stores, site supervisor Sgt Troy Roseman said his team rose to the challenge.

“We took 82 days of delays trying to get our materials and main stores to this location,” Sgt Roseman said.

“I back my boys. They are very confident in what they can do, morale is still high after the delays and I’m confident we can complete the work we’ve been sent here to do.”

The soldiers have also visited schools to donate school and sporting supplies and play some footy with the children.

The work undertaken by 6ESR is part of the Defence Cooperation Program’s Project 230.

See more photos here.