Oro Bridges for Economic Growth

Photo credit: Department of Prime Minister & National Executive Council

Northern Governor, Gary Juffa, says the commerce and industry sector in Northern Province is expected to see a boost in terms of revenues it will generate. This follows the opening of four bridges in Northern yesterday.

These bridges are Eroro, Guria, Ambogo and the largest of the four, Kumusi. They were destroyed during cyclone Guba in 2007.

It has taken the government almost nine years to rebuild the bridges with support from the Australian government.

It has taken both governments almost a decade to complete the bridges, because of their geographically locations.

A very traditional Northern celebration was staged to welcome the government delegation and other development partners to witness the unveiling of the commemorative plaque.

The plaque was unveiled by Northern Governor, Gary Juffa; Sohe MP Delilah Gore; Works Minister Francis Awesa ; and National Planning Minister, Charles Abel.

The reconstruction of the bridges had cost over K139 million and had employed over 200 locals.

The reconstruction of these bridges reflects the long friendship between the people of Australia and the locals in Northern, because of the Kokoda Battle in 1942.

Since the bridges were destroyed, the locals resorted to crossing the rivers to access government services in Popondetta town.

Elsie Taimbari, a head teacher at a primary school, says she is happy her students will be arriving in school on time.

Apart from education, the locals are grateful to the Australian government for these vital infrastructure development.