THE Government, under its National Executive Council (NEC) resolution, has approved and committed K70 million to restore services in disaster-affected areas.
This announcement was made by the Minister for Works & Highways, Hon Solan Mirisim, and the Minister for Defence, Disaster & Emergency, Hon Dr. Billy Joseph.
DoW&H Secretary David Wereh stated that the Marape Government committed K70 million of which K20 million was for relief assistance which was already released to Enga Disaster Committee and K50 million for the road works.
“The K50 million is for the Connect PNG’ initiative for the restoration and construction of bypasses as soon as possible,” he said.
“The prompt action by the PNG Defence Force and the Department of Works & Highways (DoW&H) is appreciated.
“In Mulitaka (Porgera), where thousands of lives were lost due to a landslide, a new 4.5 km bypass road construction has commenced. The first phase of cutting an earth road is expected to be completed in 3-4 weeks.”
He added that compensation issues raised by landowners are being addressed by the Provincial Works Office and Provincial Administration to reach a fair settlement.
“The closure of the road due to the landslip two months ago has significantly impacted the Porgera Mine operation. The DoW&H is working around the clock with the Enga Provincial Disaster Committee to ensure the bypass road is completed within the next month,” Mr Wereh said.
“The DoW&H team is currently conducting route alignment and preliminary design for constructing a national highway that meets all-weather resilient and safety design standards.”
He commended efforts by stakeholders in assisting disaster affected areas.
“Since the disaster on May 24th, all state and stakeholder efforts have been well-coordinated,” he said.
“Similarly, the DoW&H is delivering disaster restorations in Markham, Lae-Bulolo, Bougainville, Lae-Madang, and the Sepik Provinces.”
