Tenders for rehabilitation work on critical sections of the Highlands Highway have gone out.
Works Secretary David Wereh says tenders for three sections of the Highlands Highway, beginning from Nadzab in Morobe, are now open for bids.
He says the Government has successfully secured a K3 billion loan for a 10-year road rehabilitation program for identified sections of the highway.
“There are three major tenders that have gone out. The first is for Nadzab all the way to Henganofi. The second is from Henganofi all the way to Chuave and the third is from Chuave all the way to Jiwaka for upgrading and rehabilitation work,” states Wereh.
That is a total of 350 kilometres of road.
Wereh says these are the problem sections that continue to slow down traffic due to their poor conditions. These sections have been prioritised by the Department.
“Especially the Simbu section, due to its unstable condition, we’re always experiencing a lot of landslides and landmass movement.
“Tender is to rebuild those unstable sections and strengthen and stabilise the highway to a very high standard,” explains Wereh.
The Works Secretary says the three tenders will be followed by two other tranches in the 10-year program.
Acknowledging the support of the development partners, Wereh believes such programs are good for the country.
“It’s a good start for us. We are happy that our donors and development partners are buying into this concept of working on a program.”
(Loop file pic)