CHIEF Ombudsman Commissioner Richard Pagen has strongly emphasised for quality works on all roads and bridges in Nawaed District in Morobe Province.
The Commissioner said he is representing the people and the funds that entrusted through tax are geared towards delivering quality infrastructures such as roads and bridges.
“It is my prerogative to come down on the ground to analyse and see how well these funds from the National Government are spent on projects,” he said.
The Commissioner was speaking while on the ground inspecting the recently collapsed Busu Bridge at Boina in Nawaed District last Saturday.
He was accompanied by Member for Nawaed Theo Pelgen, Nawaeb Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Buds Botikie, Nawaeb District Technical Team and Provincial Works Department Engineers.
The Commissioner had a first-hand experience of the road clearance at Kasuka that was blocked off by a landslip.
He expressed that all works on Roads and Bridges in the district must be facilitated by the National Department of Works and Highways (NDoWH).
Commissioner Pagen emphasised strongly for quality and durable works to be carried out on the construction of a new Busu Bridge under the management of the DoWH.
“This is because they (DoWH) have all the government requirements and technicalities to deliver the work.
“Contractors may be awarded the scope of the work, however, it is best for the Works team to supervise the construction of these works so that the quality outcomes are achieved.”
When responding to the Commissioner’s concerns, Pelgen said so far all projects undertaken in the district have been carefully supervised from day one by the Provincial Department of Works & Highways Team.
“We are on track to deliver the new Busu Bridge within this short space of time as per all requirements of the DoWH,” he said.
The MP said Nawaeb Technical Team was on the ground to ensure the completion of the new Busu Bridge, including two new footbridges are delivered as soon as practicable.
“Niugini Bridge Limited technical team was also on the site from day one inspecting, collecting data and surveying the scope of the new bridge to be built.
“This vital information has been passed to National DoWH for evaluation and they have assured us already to replace the collapsed Busu Bridge.
“In the meantime, we will undertake a temporary wet crossing for the vehicles to access the District Headquarters at Boana.”
Meanwhile, the local MP said the district’s technical team is already in China looking at costings for other bridges to be built for Nawaeb District.
He thanked the Marape/Rosso Government for the swift intervention of the National Emergency Situation at Busu Bridge by making funds available.
