The people of Oro province today celebrated the opening of three vital bridges.
These bridges are set to help restore essential services and connect local communities to markets.
The Eroro, Girua and Ambogo bridges were constructed at a total cost of K139 million.
The Girua Bridge was one of those washed away when Cyclone Guba hit in 2007.
The construction of the Girua, Eroro, and Ambogo bridges is supported by the Australian government through the Transport Sector Support Program.
David Wereh, Secretary for Department of Works; Roy Mumu, Secretary for Department of Transport and James Passmore, Counselor from the Australian High Commission, unveiled the plaque at the Eroro Bridge, the first of the three bridges to be opened.
The Girua and Ambogo Bridges were then officially opened by Oro Governor, Gary Juffa.
Passmore said the achievement is a result of a close partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
The heads of Departments of Works and Transport were pleased as Oro’s residents rely on the roads and bridges for access to health services, education, markets and other income generating opportunities.
Governor Juffa thanked the government of Peter O’Neill for the bridges and the Australian government and tax payers for being partners in a time of need. However, he was disappointed that the bridges were a long time coming, resulting in the loss of lives.
The project supervision was done by the Department of Works and the contractor was Canstruct Proprietary Limited.
The fourth bridge and the longest in the province, the Kumusi Bridge, will be opened in a few weeks time.
