Michael Nali

This will involve the evaluation of the Building Act 1971 and the Building Regulation 1994, and a Diagnostic Assessment of the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) Building Board.

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.

“My dream to fully connect PNG by roads is soon to be realized by 2040.

“I am very excited that my Government has made a historical and momentous decision and got the approval of 78 Members of Parliament to pass an important piece of legislation which is called Connect PNG (Implementation and Funding) Bill 2021. 

“I acknowledge the support of the Opposition in the passage of this Bill,” PM Marape added.

After successfully dismissing a number of claims through the courts, Minister Nali sounded this warning, saying the Department of Works managed to save more than K486 million from suspicious and unsubstantiated claims.

He said so far, 19 court proceedings for claims totalling K486.100 million, were taken against the State by contractors and service providers, after the Department of Works declined to pay them.

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;

The nine bridges include six in Madang and three in the Sepik region.

The Minister said the project has been approved by the National Executive Council and is currently awaiting legal clearance.

The nine new bridges will be built at a cost of more than K10m for Madang and Sepik coastal highway linking East and West Sepik provinces.

The project is funded by the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Meanwhile, Minister Nali says work on the Banab Bridge in Madang has already begun.

This is part of a restructure to ensure the development and maintenance of roads are coordinated in an organised manner and the duplication of roles are done away with.

Works Minister, Michael Nali, said the repealing of the legislation and restructuring will ultimately conclude by the end of 2019.

In the meantime, arrangements have been made for the Department of Works, Provincial and District Development Authorities (DDAs) to share responsibility of roads throughout the country.

Today, Minister Nali and Works Secretary David Wereh inspected the work being carried out by China Harbour Engineering Construction.

The Works Minister said so far the maintenance work along the Poreporena Freeway has been going well and on schedule.

He said the purpose of his inspection was to see how the contractors have been doing their work given the weather pattern that contributes to the wear and tear the roads.

“As the Minister responsible, it is my job to inspect the road work from time to time.”

Michael Nali was making reference to the question raised in Parliament last Friday by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird.

Nali confirmed that K10 million was appropriated in the Supplementary budget for the roads.

Minister Nali explained that warrants were issued a few weeks before the closure of the 2017 financial year and his department was unable to procure and expand the funds for Wewak town roads within a few weeks. They also had no documentation to procure and spend funds.

Works Minster Michael Nali revealed this in Parliament today.

He said the current backlog of road maintenance contracts is around K700 million, money which they do not have.

He said to cater for all roads, the Works Department needs over a billion kina.

“The Works Department used to have equipment with the PTB (plant and transport board) and when we had road issues, they would step in to assist. But today, the Works Department cannot. We know this.