By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Japanese Government has signed a grant contract with the Wapenamanda District in Enga to reconstruct the Tale Bridge in Tsak local level government.
Today, the Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea, Morio Matsumoto and member for Wapenamanda Rimbink Pato, signed the contract to officiate the reconstruction.
Over K900,000 Grant Assistance from the Grassroots Human Security Projects of the Government of Japan was allocated to rebuilt the bridge.
The investment is an important link for the people of Tsak (SAHK) local level government in Wapenamanda.
It is predicted that this new infrastructure will improve transportation services in the district and benefit an estimated 30,000 locals.
Japanese Ambassador to PNG, Morio Matsumoto, said the bridge is crucial for the daily lives of the people and will enhance economic development of all areas.
“I believe the reconstruction will provide the local residents with much better conditions to have access to the necessarily goods and services, “ Mr. Matsumoto said.
The reconstruction which is set to start immediately will replace the old and wooden Tale bride with a safer and stronger model.
Japan has been supporting infrastructure development in Papua New Guinea since the launch of the GGP in 1989.
The investment is seen a continuation of a long lasting friendship between the people of Japan and PNG.
This year marks 40 years of a diplomatic relationship between the two governments.
The signing of the grant comes a week after Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, travelled to Japan with Ambassador Matsumoto, for a diplomatic discussion with the Prime Minister of Japan.
The bridge will be completed come October 2016.
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