Today marks another milestone in Papua New Guinea’s infrastructure developments as the Deputy Prime Minister, Sir Leo Dion opened the reconstructed Kumusi Bridge in Oro Province.
A press release today reported that Dion acknowledged the Australian Government for their continued support and assistance in rebuilding the bridge.
“I want to convey and express our utmost gratitude and appreciation to the Australian Government for the funding to the tune of K139 million and the expertise by the Australian Government’s International Aid Agency (AusAid) for the project and other projects under the Transport Sector Support Program.” Dion said
Sir Dion says the bridge itself will connect more than 100,000 people in the Sohe District and along the famous Kokoda Track area of the province adding it will boost the tourism development associated with the Famous Kokoda Track and agricultural activities.
“The bridge is a significant milestone which signifies our long and mutually beneficial bilateral relations with Australia that dates back to the heroic days of the Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels of World War 2.
“I want to acknowledge the Australian Government for their continued support and assistance in rebuilding the bridge.”
The Australian High Commission whilst announcing the completion of the project stated that the project to restore four bridges destroyed by Cyclone Guba is a landmark achievement for the Department of Works and symbolises the strong economic and strategic partnership between Australia and PNG.
Australian High Commissioner to PNG, Bruce Davis, said the new bridges are symbolic of the strong and growing economic partnership between Australia and PNG.
“Our two nations have a long history together and a very bright future with many shared goals. Our strategic partnership with Papua New Guinea in the transport sector is central to this. These bridges will play a key role in the development of the province and our shared objective of achieving equitable and sustainable growth across Papua New Guinea.” Davis said
“What we are witnessing today is the result of good working partnership between the National Government, Provincial and Local Level Governments working together with our donor and development partners like AusAid to deliver infrastructure projects like this bridge that will serve our people.” said Mr Dion
Works Minister, Francis Awesa was pleased to see the project completed on time and on budget and was delighted that the Government of Australia continues to support Papua New Guinea to deliver PNG’s vision for an effective and connected transport network that delivers economic and social development for our people.
Constructed within two years using 1,000 tonnes of steel, the 285-meter double lane Kumusi Bridge is one of the four bridges that were reconstructed with financial assistance from AusAid after it was destroyed by Cyclone Guba in 2007. The other three are Girua, Eroro and Embogo.
