Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has announced that Cabinet will consider a comprehensive policy to strengthen the national road network.
The policy will look at providing greater attention to dealing with damage caused by extreme weather made worse by climate change.
“Increasing extreme weather conditions, as well as years and years of neglect by many Governments in the past, as well as a lack of investment, has made our national highways vulnerable to disruption by landslips and flooding,” the Prime Minister said.
“The National Government is approaching this as an emergency case and will provide special intervention, directed by Cabinet, when it meets on Thursday this week.
“From Cabinet’s decision, we intend to announce a comprehensive package to address these challenges and provide a long-term solution.”
The PM stated that the weather is beyond our control, but preparing for tropical storms and then responding when extreme weather strikes is something that is within our power.
National Highways referred to by the Prime Minister include the Highlands Highway, Sepik Highway, the Ramu-Madang Highway, Hiritano and Magi Highway, New Britain Highway, Boluminski Highway and the West Coast Highway in New Ireland Province.
(The Boluminski Highway in New Ireland – Panoramio)