Through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership’s Transport Sector Support Program, four major long term maintenance contracts (LTMCs) have been awarded to improve road conditions in Morobe, New Ireland, Milne Bay and Northern provinces.
The four projects, valued at a total of K205 million will support maintenance and upgrade work on the Wau, Boluminski, Northern/Kokoda and Magi highways in 2022.
Aligned with the Connect PNG Plan, these LTMCs are a positive step in the Department of Works’ delivery of more predictable maintenance and upgrading works on its national road network. The long-term nature of the contracts will also provide greater value for money and job certainty for locals.
Works Secretary David Wereh thanked Australia for its continued support in funding road maintenance and upgrade projects across the country.
The four highways will undergo rehabilitation through pavement repairs, resealing, drainage improvements and vegetation control over the next five years. These activities will result in improved, safer roads linking farmers to markets, businesses to customers, and local communities to services.
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Signing of the Magi Highway LTMC by Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, Department of Works Secretary David Wereh and contractor Global Construction.
Australian High Commissioner Jon Philp said, “Australia is pleased to continue its support for transport infrastructure in PNG. The improvements on the Wau, Boluminski, Northern/Kokoda and Magi highways, through the LTMCs, will lead to major works in line with Connect PNG priorities – such as the Trans-National and Northern corridors.”
These four projects complement previous road activities supported by the PNG-Australia Partnership, including the upgrading and sealing of 32.4km of the Boluminski Highway in 2018; minor works on 153km section of the Northern and Kokoda Highways; and routine and periodic maintenance works on the Highlands Highway from Yulu to Yung Creek bridges, and the Ramu Highway section from Waterais to Pompoquato.
These performance based LTMCs are for a period of five years each and will be implemented by Papua New Guinean contractors, ensuring the creation of local jobs and economic benefits to local communities.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100