Roads

However, the benefits of the project are expected to be far-reaching, with improved access to markets, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions.

Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS and MP for Wabag Dr Lino Tom is committed in connecting and improving the transportation system between the two provinces.

The latest development in the project is the completion of the temporary Siwi Bridge, which will allow for easier access to the other side of the highway which is under construction.

He told the engineers in a training workshop on Tuesday held at Tuna Bay Resort in Port Moresby.

He also reminded them about a saying in rural parts of Papua New Guinea that “you give me the road and forget about me, I will look after myself” that the Department wanted to create and impart.

Maintenance on the five kilometre road has been ongoing for well over a year with many people already raising concerns and queries about its completion.

Former Works Manager and Civil Engineer, Daniel Muturam, is a long- time resident of Madang town. He says the Department of Works and Highways has a lot of questions to answer regarding the current work on the road, which he describes as sub-standard.

This now concludes the first phase of the Miles main street road upgrade starting from Two-Mile through Three-Mile, and now Four-Mile.

Lae MP and Deputy Prime Minister, John Rosso, said the second stage of the remaining street roads in these suburbs will begin soon.

The Two-Mile, Three-Mile and Four-Mile suburbs had sealed roads with streetlights in the 1970s and 1980s when, as children, we would walk on these roads safely and peacefully,” Rosso said.

He was responding to questions raised by Member for Rabaul, Dr. Allan Marat, who asked if there is information provided by the Works Department on the allocation of roads.

Minister Nali clarified that roads connecting local level government areas within the districts come under the district, while the main highways come under the national road plan.

Minister Nali also called on all MPs to utilize their funds properly and fix their roads as per the allocation.

The NCD City Manager Bernard Kipit says three out of six major road projects will be completed well before the end of August.

Ela Beach is the first major project to be completed on schedule, due to be opened to traffic by the end of July.

That will be followed by Stanley Esplanade in town and Independence Drive in Waigani, both due to be opened for traffic by the end of August.

The rehabilitation of the Freeway, Independence Drive and the Wards Road roundabouts will be completed by the end of October.

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.

This was revealed by Works Minister, Michael Nali, in Parliament today.

He said this when questioned by East Sepik Governor Allan Bird where the funding was and when it could be released.

Governor Bird said the K10 million was approved on November 13^th last year and a cheque given to the Works Department.

He said the next day, two contactors had arrived in Wewak to begin work but they stopped, believing it was contrary to finance management act.

They say the maintenance of roads will have a positive impact on the lives of people.

Alexia Api and Anna Bupi from Osima Village outside of Vanimo City said the road from their LLG into Vanimo Town is unusable.

She said locals are forced to use a nearby river to transport their produce for selling however, this creates further problems.

Other residents from as far as Aitape district said traveling to the provincial hub is very costly.