Australia is prioritising funding to support the rapid restoration of road access in Bougainville and Milne Bay following the impact of Cyclone Maila, helping to reconnect communities and restore critical transport links.
Emergency works began last week under the Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3), in close coordination with the Autonomous Bougainville Government and the PNG Department of Works and Highways.
Initial efforts focused on restoring access at key wet crossings and along the Bougainville Trunk Road, which connects communities from Kokopau to Arawa and Buin.
At Ramazon, a temporary wet crossing was restored and opened to light vehicles on 15 April. The crossing was constructed downstream from the bridge to reduce risk from strong currents and high water levels.
This has allowed traffic to resume while longer-term bridge repairs are planned.
At Pangara, repair work began on 16 April, following earlier delays caused by a landslide. Access to the site has now been restored, allowing contractors to begin repairs to the wet crossing.
The newly constructed Tavera Bridge under TSSP3 remained largely undamaged during the cyclone, enabling uninterrupted transport and access in the surrounding area.
Along the Bougainville Trunk Road, workers are clearing debris, repairing washouts, and restoring damaged road sections. Works include reshaping road surfaces, clearing drains, stabilising riverbanks, and repairing culvert damage.
These activities help to reopen access for communities affected by flooding and landslides.
In Milne Bay, crews cleared fallen trees along the Magi Highway and East Coast Road to restore access for communities. Works were carried out by TSSP3-funded contractors, including Global Constructions and Jala Transport, alongside the local community.
This rapid response helped reopen key routes and support the movement of people, goods, and relief supplies.
These emergency works are helping restore access to markets, schools, and health services for communities affected by the cyclone. They also support the movement of relief supplies and enable government services to reach impacted areas more quickly.
Australia is working in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government to support immediate recovery efforts and longer-term infrastructure resilience.
Further work will continue in the coming weeks as conditions allow, with a focus on restoring safe and reliable access for communities across affected regions.