DEPARTMENT of Works and Highways (DoWH) will be celebrating half a century of independence by delivering transformational infrastructure that drives connectivity, economic growth and social development.
Minister for Works and Highways Solan Mirisim has briefed out his targets and priority to the top management of the department to execute within the next 8 months.
Mr. Mirisim says DoWH primary target within the remaining months will be the completion of key road links.
“DoWH need to achieve full connections of all 22 provinces to the national highway network, prioritizing critical missing links and major economic corridors.
National Highways that will be prioritized are:
· Lae-Nazab 4 lane project
· Ramu Highway
· New Britain Highway
· Magi Highway
· Hiritano Highway
· Highlands Highway
· Sepik Highway
· Coastal Highway (Madang to Wutung)
· Boluminski Highway
· Bougainville Highway
· Manus East-West Highway
· Kiunga to Tabubil Highway
· Wau Highway
He also highlighted the need for completion of all missing link roads.
Top of the list will be the Karamui missing link road which will need to be connected to Kundiawa before September. Others are:
· Trans-National Highway
· Southern Corridor
· Tabubil-Telefomin-Oksapmin-Kopiago
· New Britain Highway
· Oriomo- Kiunga
· Fisika Highway
· Oro-Central
· Baiyer- Madang
· Raicoast to Wasu
· Kimbe Kandrian-Pomio
· Bogia- Angoram
· Aropokina- Tapini
Mr. Mirisim stated that the third priority of the department will be to construct and rehabilitate 500 plus bridges to ensure safe and reliable road crossings, especially in flood-prone regions.
“All rural bridges supplied to the districts and provinces need to be constructed before 16th of September.”
Mr. Mirisim has echoed the DoWH target to establish at least five (5) fully operational economic corridors, connecting agriculture hubs, mining zones and ports to national highways.
The key corridors are:
· Trans-National Highway
· Momase Corridor
· Southern Corridor
· Highlands Corridor
· New Britain Corridor
“The Connect PNG Program since its inception has created more than 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, reduce cost of transport by 20% and ensure 80% of rural communities have reliable road access to health and education facilities with 30-60 minutes travel radius.”
He says roads and bridges should be accessible for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups and should actively involve local communities in 50% of all infrastructure projects through labor programs and small business opportunities.
Minister Mirisim emphasis strongly on Institutional strengthening within the department for the 50 years going forward.
“There’s need for transparency in project delivery which means we ensure all projects above K50 million are publicly audited and reported to maintain accountability.
Reduce bureaucratic delays by implementing a fully fledge digital project approval and monitoring system. Implement staff housing programs.
There is need for us to put a stop to usage of hire cars and start buying vehicles for the 21 Provinces. We will install vehicle tracking system on all DoWH vehicles to address misuse of government vehicles.
The attendance and punctuality of our staffs should be monitored to improve work performance and key among them is to established a division in the department to look after the massive infrastructure projects and funding under tax credit scheme, Mirisim said.
Minister Mirisim announced that on the eve of the 50 years golden jubilee PNG must establish the railway system and urge DoWH to start developing feasibility studies and Concept design for possible routes before September.
“As the Minister, I urge the Secretary and all department staff to, foster partnership with private sectors, donors and communities, priorities, innovation and local empowerment in infrastructure delivery and uphold accountability, sustainability and quality in all endeavors.
Let us make Connect PNG not just a program but a legacy that defines our nation for generations to come.
As we mark 50 years of independence, these targets symbolize our dedication to creating a brighter future for all Papua New Guinea. The Connect PNG Program remains a pillar of national progress and I urge all staff to redouble their effort in delivering these milestones. Together we will build legacy of prosperity and resilience”.
