by Kiwiana Ngabung – EMTV Online, Port Moresby
Road infrastructure has always been an issue in Papua New Guinea, especially in rural centres.
The East Cape Road, in Milne Bay Province, is one of several vital road links in the country which has experienced years of deterioration and neglect. All that is about to change with a much needed upgrade.
The major road rehabilitation is worth K89 million and is jointly funded by the national government, the World Bank, and the Australian Government.
Officially welcoming construction work to begin, was Member for Alotau and Minister for National Planning & Monitoring, Charles Abel, as well as Minister Counsellor Benedict David, representing the Australian High Commission and Stefanie Stallmeister, Country Manager for the World Bank.
“Papua New Guinea’s development depends very much on well performing road networks. Better roads are the only way to access health, education, delivery of government services and creating market opportunities for our local produce and population,” Minister Abel said.
Ms Stallmeister said the event is a culmination of years of work and collaboration between the three contributors.
Further saying, “Yet the start of construction also represents the start of a positive new era for the people of Milne Bay. It means that soon a daily journey to school, or to the health clinic for a check-up will no longer be an often-insurmountable journey; it will be one where if a child is sick, their parents will be able to swiftly get them to the doctor.”
Chinese construction company, China Overseas Engineering Group Co. (COVEC), is contracted to do the upgrading and sealing from Yalua to Kehelala, which will eventually make available more opportunities for over 2,000 locals.
The rehabilitation of East Cape Road is the first of World Bank’s Road and Rehabilitation Project II, which will see other roads in Papua New Guinea upgraded.
Source: The World Bank
1 comment
A much needed upgrade considering all 4 electorate’s people use this road as a quick means to get into town. Looking forward to the day when I can drive home in less than an hour…quite disappointed though after reading a report in one of our daily’s about an armed hold up of the contractor at Halowiya Bridge on Tuesday in which the criminals made off with K10,000 in wages. Maybe the government should look seriously into setting up a permanent SSD Police Unit in the province.