By Rositta Liosi – EMTV Online
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) Year-in-Review for 2015 was held at the Grand Papua Hotel in Port Moresby, Wednesday, 9 December. This year’s theme was “Transforming PNG’s Resource wealth into infrastructure and service delivery: priorities for 2016 and the role of Development Partners.”
Muhammad Amir Ingratubun, PNRM’s Portfolio Management Unit Head, highlighted ADB’s portfolio performance in a presentation. Currently, ADB’s assistance programs in the country are focused on transport infrastructure in the highlands region, maritime safety, and civil aviation.
Projects such as:
The Highland’s Region Road Improvement Program
These roads will provides access, which is seen as a catalyst in elevating poverty.
Roads will also be more climate resilient in order to help PNG adapt to the effects of climate change.
Civil Aviation Development Investment Program
Enhance the safety and security of the civil aviation authority
Covers all 21 national airports and will see an upgrade runway length to cater for Fokker 100s, refurbishment of rundown airports and the construction of airports were there was none.
Maritime & Waterway Safety Project
Improve the safety and efficiency of shipping in coastal and waterways in PNG.
Main components that ADB is covering: Replace, install and maintain navigational aids, to improve safety information infrastructure, improve maritime safety practice of communities and efficient program project management and capacity development.
Other programs covered by the Asian Development Bank include:
The Pilot Border Trade
The Pilot Border Trade is aimed at improving customs and quarantine facilities along the PNG-Indonesia border.
Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access
This project covers 27 bridges on five major highways in the Central, Madang, East Sepik and West New Britain provinces.
Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project
ADB is also helping PNG improve the quality and coverage of its health services with its Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project, which covers 16 districts across the country.
The Microfinance Expansion Project
This project is focused on boosting access to financial services in rural areas.
ADB aims to open 160,000 new accounts, provide 125,000 new loans for people in rural areas and train 120,000 people so that they are more financially literate.
