By Stanley Ove Jr – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The National Government has launched a major road maintenance project for the Hiritano Highway in the Central Province.
Funded by the World Bank in partnership with the PNG Government and the Department of Works, Central Governor, Robert Agarobe, officiated the ground breaking ceremony for major works of a 112-kilometre stretch of road between Bereina and Vanapa.
Kairuku-Hiri MP, Peter Isoaimo, commended the Government and donor partner World Bank and, said it has been a long overdue project.
“I have been pressuring the former Minister for Works to look into our road problem since 2014, and I commend the O’Neill-Abel Government to finally come to our aid and also thank stakeholders especially World Bank,” Isoaimo said.
Central Governor Robert Agarobe also shared similar views however he said the maintenance of the road will open up many opportunities for rural communities in the Central Province.
Meanwhile Works Secretary David Wereh said the launch of the project is a significant milestone for the country as the concept of the road works policy is for contractors to not only rehabilitate but maintain the road for the number of years they are contracted to.
