Australia supports road sealing project in Bougainville
An Australian funded project to improve the main trunk road in Central Bougainville and significantly improve economic development opportunities, access and road safety for local communities has been completed.
The project to seal the stretch of road from Morgan Junction to Tunuru at a total cost of K8.25 million was delivered by the PNG-Australia Transport Sector Support Program in conjunction with the Bougainville Department of Technical Services and forms part of Australia’s ongoing investment in Bougainville’s transport infrastructure.
Alongside the sealing of six kilometres of road, the project also included works to clear the road shoulders, add safer line markings, install new traffic signs and create two new sealed PMV stops near markets. The approaches to Tekanu, Aita, Sivavi and Pit Pit River bridges were also sealed as part of the works.
Australian High Commissioner, Deborah Stokes, noted that the completion of the project will support continued economic growth opportunities in Bougainville.
“Transport infrastructure is fundamental to social and economic development and these works will improve the safety and reliability of the road network in Bougainville.”
Maintaining the high quality of this section of the road also provides more reliable access to local services and supports small businesses. Bertha Lorenz, owner of the Rising Sun Guesthouse in Arawa, highlighted some of the benefits to her business.
“Improvements to the condition of the road make journeys more comfortable for my guests, reduce travel time and help to keep my costs down. When the road is not as well maintained, vehicle running costs are much higher.”
A number of significant Australian funded road upgrade projects will commence in Bougainville in 2015 and early 2016, including works from Arawa to Rigu Bridge (near Kieta Wharf) and on a number of Buin’s town roads.