Deputy Chief of the Australian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds and PNGDF Chief of Force Preparation Colonel Craig Solomon have officially opened the upgraded Access Road to the Air Transport Wing (ATW).
The upgrade of the Jackson Access Road was delivered through the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP), Australia’s longstanding defence partnership program with PNG. The project was delivered with a local Papua New Guinean construction contractor. The original unsealed road severely restricted vehicle movement, making access to the ATW difficult and dangerous. The upgrade included the replacement of the unsealed road with a more resilient sealed asphalt road.
To enhance community safety and security, a footpath alongside the access road has been installed. The footpath provides much safer access to those travelling to the area on foot, including to the medical centres. Road lighting and road signage has been included to further improve safety and security.
A major element of the upgrade was addressing the longstanding drainage issues on the road which previously caused flash flooding, rapid road deterioration and diminished road usability. The upgrade included the installation of refurbished draining systems.
“We are thankful to the ADF for coming through the DCP to refurbish the access road. This is just a small part of the partnership program we (PNGDF) have with the ADF” Chief of Force Preparation Colonel Craig Solomon said.
“Through the dedication of the ATW, the PNGDF Air Element is an incredible capability, and the ADF are proud to be a part of its journey,” said Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds.
Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close and longstanding defence partnership built on cooperation and trust, the upgrade to the access road will support the PNGDF to deliver on PNG government priorities.
Ends.
Deputy Chief of the Australian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Harvey Reynolds cuts the ribbon to mark the occasion flanked by PNGDF Chief of Force Preparation Colonel Craig Solomon (at left) and Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Miro, Acting Colonel Coordination (at right).
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