At a recent road safety workshop in Buka, brand new road safety signs were distributed to 15 local contractors. Small and medium sized contractors play a vital part in the routine maintenance of Bougainville’s road network.
The Australian government is helping to improve road safety nationally through the Papua New Guinea – Australia Transport Sector Support Program and this includes support to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
The program is assisting to maintain roads and keep communities and businesses connected in Bougainville. Secretary for the Department of Technical Services, Bernard Tzilu, remarked on the importance and value of Australia’s support. p>
“We are working towards a safer, more reliable road network for Bougainville. This workshop and the distribution of safety signs is an important step forward for our local contractors and the travelling public.”
Secretary Tzilu went on to highlight how improving safety at road work sites is critical to creating safer roads.
“Collisions and accidents are three times more likely to happen at road work sites. This puts workers, motorists, and pedestrians at risk. By improving traffic management, we are making the roads safer for all.”
The new signs and traffic management plans will be used along the network where the road is being graded or culverts are being replaced. Contractors expressed their gratitude for the new safety equipment and the training in traffic management. Motorists will see the new signs on the road over the coming weeks.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Local contractors with the new road signs for safer roads in Bougainville.