Deputy Opposition leader, Sam Basil, says the national government should look into building roads and bridges in economical districts in the country as they contribute enormously to the national governments revenue.
Basil’s comment follows the recent announcement by the national government through the National Planning Minister, Charles Abel, on the K89 million East Cape road upgrade in Milne Bay.
Basil says the government is right in building roads, bridges and other infrastructural developments, but, it should be looking at bringing those developments to resource rich districts.
Basil says it is better to put more effort into maintaining roads, and other infrastructure like bridges. He adds, they are generating the much needed tax for the government.
Basil says, the 110 kilometre Lae Bulolo road, that starts from the 9-mile road junction to Bulolo station, is an economic highway.
Bulolo District is home to big corporate companies like Morobe Mining Joint Venture or MMJV, PNG Forest Products and Zenag Chicken, who have been paying corporate tax since their establishment.
Basil made the comments in light of the recent announcement of the sealing of a new road in Milne Bay province.
The rehabilitation of the East Cape road is funded through a World Bank credit of K338 million, with additional co-financial support from the Australian Government.
It is part of the World Bank’s Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project, of restoring key national roads across Papua New Guinea.
The project will include the sealing of the road and improvements to six existing bridges as well as the drainage systems.
Goilala MP, William Samb, who is an engineer by profession believes the Lae-Bulolo Highway can cost near an estimated K100 million.
