By BRADLEY MARIORI
The National Government through the Department of Works and Highways is now focusing on long term development of bridges along the Ramu Highway in Madang.
Department of Works and Highways secretary, Gibson Holemba said the Omea, Kesewai and Menia bridges will have to be built in a way that the structures can withstand flash flooding into the future.
He said over the years, these bridges have been subjected to damages by flooding and the government had spent much over time in fixing them again which is very costly.
He added that on those times that these structures were damaged by floods, temporary structures and crossings were put in place.
“At this point now, we will do away with temporary structures and permanent structures that can withstand flash flooding be put in place for those three locations,” Holemba said.
“This will provide a permanent solution for all road users and relieve authorities from fixing the same structures over again. That means all structures will be built with concrete in such a way that it lasts.”
Holemba said the climate resilient upgrade of the bridges was under the Asian Development Bank program.
All three structures were located between Ramu Sugar and Usino Bundi junction along the Ramu Highway.
He also mentioned that currently, the Ramu Highway is under maintenance which is also under the ADB program.
While mentioning this, he stated that the first phase of the road maintenance from Watarise to Madang town has been completed and the second phase is just starting now.
“The part from Usino junction to Tapo is where landslips are often experienced throughout the year but some areas there have been maintained to negotiate landslips with assistance from the World Bank.”
He said Ramu Highway was designed for 20 years life-span and by now, it needs to have major reconstruction for the safety of the all-road users.
