Australia’s Transport Sector have finalized two major roadwork contracts worth about K20 million with Papua New Guinea to repair highways in West New Britain and Madang.
The partnership between PNG’s Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) and Australia’s Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3) will upgrade priority sections of the national highway network.
The contracts were awarded by the National Procurement Commission to PNG-owned firms to also strengthen local capacity, generate employment and improve critical transport infrastructure in West New Britain (WNB) and Madang provinces.
DoWH Secretary Gibson Holemba welcomed the contract signings.
“These investments demonstrate the Department’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and climate-resilient infrastructure through open and competitive national procurement systems,” Holemba said.
“With strong support from our development partner Australia, we are also building capacity within local contracting and supervision services. This is key to sustaining transport infrastructure across PNG,” he added.
Minister Counsellor Infrastructure Australian High Commission, Dr Cate Rogers, reaffirmed Australia’s support for local content and PNG leadership.
“Australia is proud to support infrastructure delivery that improves roads, builds PNG’s national systems and strengthens local industry,” Dr Rogers said.
“Prioritizing local content, skills and suppliers is central to the way we work together.”
He added that TSSP3 continues to support DoWH to rehabilitate roads, strengthen bridges, assess climate risks and foster institutional reform for a more effective, transport system for all Papua New Guineans.
In WNB, Jay LW Contractors Limited received PGK10 million contract for pavement rehabilitation and resealing works. The work will take place on a 24 kilometers section of the New Britain Highway between Balaha Box Culvert and Tiauru Bridge number 1.
While in Madang, South Pacific Construction Limited will undertake pavement repairs on 41.2 km of the Coastal Highway.
The works will target critical sections and bridge approaches from Airport Junction to Surumarang Bridge, ensuring continued connectivity between the provincial capital and surrounding districts.
