Acting NCD city manager, Kenneth Atasoa, is strongly appealing to motorists and pedestrians to take extra care along the Poreporena Freeway as it undergoes a major rehabilitation.
Atasoa made the appeal following cases of near accidents on the sections of the freeway where work is currently undertaken.
“Firstly, let me apologise to the travelling public on behalf of the NCDC Board and management for any inconvenience the roadworks maybe causing at this time but I wish to also appeal to everyone for patience and understanding as work progresses,” he said in a statement.
“More importantly, I call on the travelling public using the Poreporena Freeway to take every care possible as work on upgrading the freeway progresses.”
Atasoa stressed on the important requirements of safety for everyone in such big projects and the NCDC and the contractor have given this aspect a priority consideration, knowing the impact the upgrading work will have on the daily routine of the public.
“I urge everyone moving around in the project area, either driving or walking, to observe all relevant signage installed and to be mindful that the use of the freeway at this time is restricted due to the upgrading work.
“I seek everyone’s cooperation at this time,” Atasoa said.
The public was informed on the closure of the freeway due to the rehabilitation program and the usual public safety expectations through a newspaper advertisement early this month.
The notice mentioned the rearrangement of the freeway to accommodate the work progress which is happening simultaneously at two to three different locations and is expected to increase to five to seven locations when work intensifies.
The rehabilitation work is expected to be completed by end of October 2018.
The upgrading work on the Poreporena Freeway is a K110 million Chinese government aid project to the Government and the people of Papua New Guinea as part of its contribution towards PNG’s preparation for APEC.
The assistance includes the construction of a six-lane boulevard linking Waigani Drive and Parliament House.