Minister for Works

No funding for Laloki-Kerema road

Minister for Works, Michael Nali said this in Parliament today, in response to questions raised by Member for Kairuku-Hiri Peter Isoaimo.

Nali explained that the only funding available to rehabilitate the section of the road was from the World Bank.

Minister Nali admitted to the poor state of that section of the highway, and said funding is an issue.

"We don't have the money to do major rehabilitation work on the section of the road," he said.

Nali clarifies works done on Sepik highway

Referred to as the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP) from 2018 to June 2020 for a Contract Period of 18 months at an estimated cost of K20 million for the 98km road section.

Nali made this response when responding to East Sepik Governor Allan Bird during Parliament session on Tuesday.

Governor Bird asked series of questions regarding the failing state of the Sepik Highway.

Nali said the referred section of Sepik Highway (98km) was maintained under a Fixed Term Maintenance Contracts (FTMCs') in two separate sections;

Community urged to take ownership

The 40 metres Haumu bridge was constructed at a cost of K700,000.

Minister Nali when addressing the people at the opening urged the people to take care of such infrastructures and take responsibility to own it.

"The Government will always provide services but all it is asking for is for people to take ownership and look after it."

Speaking as the Alotau MP, Mr Abel said such infrastructures are important for the Government as it opens up opportunities for people to take part in doing business and other commercial activities.

​Residents urged to take care of infrastructure

Nali made the call after inspecting the Laloki and Brown River bridges today.

“Infrastructure like this cost a lot of money,” he stressed.

“And one thing that I will ask from the Central people and others is to look after these infrastructure and forget about the ‘no care’ attitude.

“We must take ownership of such and make it our priority to look after them because it takes a lot of time and effort to come up with such infrastructure.”

He called on the people to report any acts of vandalism.