The total of 35 dual-lane bridges upgrade along Lae to Henganofi in the Eastern Highlands Province is said to be an investment to growing the local economy.
The initiative is a gift to the people of Papua New Guinea said the Minister for Works and Highways, Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
Speaking during the launch at Zumim Primary School, in Mutzing Markham district recently, Tsiamalili said this highway links up to 5 million people, which is 40 to 50 percent, almost half of the country is using this road.
It is the economic anchor because 80 percent of the country’s exports use this road link from the Highlands region to the Lae ports, which is equivalent to K40 billion.
Tsiamalili said that with the maintenance and rebuilding of the bridges, the government has been able to grow the economy with efficiency.
“What we have witnessed is that we have an existing infrastructure, but we are simply enhancing its efficiency to get the greatest returns,” he said.
From the investment done on the roads, which is a billion, the government has now increased 20 percent of efficiency, which is a significant increase back into PNG’s economy.
“When we increase the efficiency on our roads, we increase our economy size, then we can certainly start linking and developing those other roads into growing more of the economy,” Tsiamalili said.
The occasion was a great example of enhancing existing infrastructures for a greater return.
Tsiamalili added that the government believes that people must actively participate as the local content to contribute to the economy.
“We must participate equally, and we must also grow our local industry,” he said.
From 30 percent, the government would legislate the local content to 40 percent and increase by10 percent, encouraging more people to get involved in the country’s economy.
Whilst the infrastructure is in place, there is also the issue of maintenance, which the government has allocated K150 million for the road and K50 million for the bridges, a total of K200 million.
Tsiamalili said the government is not only building but is emphasising the need to maintain the roads.
He appealed to everyone using the infrastructure to abide by the laws of the road, the rules of driving, and continue to be good citizens.
Minister Tsiamalili commended the Asian Development Bank and its contractor for the partnership.
Tsiamalili also acknowledged the late Solan Mirisim, former Works and Highways Minister, who did all the hard work.
For Tsiamalili, taking up the responsibility compliments that commitment to ensure the project comes to its fruition.
