Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local service delivery and empowering communities in Western Province through signing a community grant for the Buzi Community Footbridge Project.
The grant signing ceremony marked an important milestone under the PNG-Australia Partnership, highlighting Australia’s support for resilient, inclusive, and community-driven developmaent.
The Buzi Community Footbridge Project is one of 20 initiatives selected through a competitive grants process designed to deliver practical benefits to local communities.
The project is designed to improve safe access and mobility for all residents, including women, children, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.
The footbridge will play a vital role in improving daily livelihoods and access to basic services, particularly during periods of extreme weather. Members of the Buzi-Berr community will have safer, land-based access between communities, improving access to schools, health services and markets between the two communities.
The Forecoast Local Level Government supported the Buzi community throughout the application process and committed to assisting the community to meet the required 10 per cent contribution towards material costs.
This partnership approach reflects the shared responsibility between communities and local authorities in delivering sustainable development outcomes.
Mr. Sod Guiga, Chairperson, Project Management Committee for Buzi-Berr Ward said “the footbridge project addresses a critical need for the communities of Buzi and Berr and will have a significant impact on access to essential services, particularly in education and health care. We are grateful to the PNG–Australia Partnership for bringing this important project to our community. It represents a milestone as the first initiative of its kind to reach our area.”
Australia’s support for the project underscores its broader partnership with Western Province to empower communities to lead their own development and ensure that infrastructure investments are inclusive and sustainable.
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Group shot at the signing.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100