According to a media release, Australian High Commission (AHC) announced the nearing of the completion of the Oro Bridges Reconstruction Project and opening of Papua New Guinea’s longest two lane bridge at 285 metres at Kumusi.
According to the AHC, 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 Papua New Guinea.
Reports in 2007 recorded that Oro was struck by cyclone and many vital bridge connections were washed out. This has had a major impact on the people of the province. The Oro Bridges Reconstruction Project which started in 8th December, 2014 has been working to restore four major bridges making them safer and more reliable for generations to come.
While the completion of the four bridges at Eroro, Girua, Ambogo and Kumusi are nearing, it is announced that there will be no wet crossings between the coast at Oro Bay to the Kumusi River after the bridges are complete.
The Works Minister, Francis Awesa, who was pleased to see the project completed on time and on budget said the new, world-class infrastructure is an outstanding achievement reiterating that at 285 metres length, the Kumusi Bridge is the longest two-lane bridge in the country.
“I’m delighted that the Government of Australia continues to support Papua New Guinea to deliver our vision for an effective and connected transport network that delivers economic and social development for our people.” Awesa said.
According to the Minister, the Department’s engineers had developed many technical skills during the delivery of the project.
Whilst pronouncing the valuable experience and crucial skills staffs at the Department gained from the project, Mr Awesa said Australia has provided substantial support throughout the process from design and procurement to supervision and project management.
It is understood, the new bridges are built to withstand future cyclones and the impacts of climate change.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis, said the new bridges are symbolic of the strong and growing economic partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Australian High Commission announced today the Kumusi Bridge will be officially opened on 23 November. Bridges at Eroro, Girua and Ambogo were opened in August of this year.
Australia being the partner in this project has provided K139 million to complete this milestone project.
