THE Marape-Rosso Government through the Department of Works and Highways (DoWH) responded within a week to restore normal traffic on the Wabag to Porgera section of the Highlands Highway.
A significant natural disaster-induced landslip that occurred at Lakolam village, which is 20 kilometer outside of Wabag town led to the complete closure of this essential route.
The landslide which took place on the 21st of February 2024, is extensive, covering a length of about 200 meters and reaching depth of 100 meters on a steep slope with a gradient of 600 meters.
In total, approximately 800, 000 cubic meters of earth and debris, including roadways, have slid down the slope, presenting a significant challenge for restoration effort.
Timely intervention by DoWH, Enga Provincial Administration, Porgera Joint Venture and contractors saw the restoration of traffic despite delays due to slip development, weather, and security.
Mitigation works begun on the 26th of February to address safety and partial traffic flow to the Porgera Gold Mine and on Monday 11th March 2024 at 5pm the road was open for normal flow of traffic.
The recent reopening of the Porgera Mine Gold Mine, under a new share arrangement where the Government of Papua New Guinea and Enga Provincial Government holding a 51% share highlighted the critical importance of the Wabag to Porgera Highway.
This road is vital for the mine’s full-scale operations, particularly after a four years hiatus, and it serves as a crucial access point for hundreds of thousands of people in the western end of Enga.
Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim says the landslip repair work is both massive and critical for the immediate resumption of business and service delivery.
“DoWH, Pogera Joint Venture, Enga Provincial Government and the contractors were committed seeing strengthening cooperation and consolidating efforts to restore traffic.
“Clear direction was given to increase resources and expand working teams therefore we were able progress this work in one week.”
Minister Mirisim thanked Kaystar Construction Managing Director Sir Paul Kurai who was on the ground since the landslip to provide support for the restoration work.
He also commended the Enga Provincial Administration and the Provincial Works Manager and his team who were present to provide technical advice and assistance.
The Minister further acknowledged the Porgera Joint Venture engineering team who was on site.
Mirisim also thanked the wonderful people of Lakolam, frustrated PMV operators and roads users who were affected by the landslip for their understanding and cooperation.
Caption: Photo Credit: JB143 PNG (supplied by DoWH)
