by Ruth Rungula – EM TV, Port Moresby
Gravel roads in the country, some of which have deteriorated over time, will receive some attention; the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has partnered with the Department of Works to build capacity and improve deteriorated roads around the country.
Kuta Road in Western Highlands Province will be the pilot project under this program. The launch was held on Friday in Mt Hagen.
Twelve pieces of construction equipment donated under the Japanese Grant Aid will be utilised in the project.
The ground breaking ceremony for the project was held at Kuta Primary School last week Friday and attended by a large delegation from both the Works Department and JICA. The occasion was coloured by a spectacular traditional performance from road users.
Locals expressed their gratitude for the project, describing how they have been waiting for years for this 7km stretch of road to be maintained.
NRI Director Dr Thomas Webster was proud of this development and warned his people not to disrupt work on the road.
A local woman, Bernadine Wilson, whose family once owned a lodge up there for 26 years but closed in 2006 due to deteriorating road conditions, also thanked JICA and the Works Department for choosing to work on this road.
The project starts next week.
