By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
WORK to upgrade about 400kms of roads on Highways throughout the country under the Connect PNG program will now commence, Works and Highway Secretary David Wereh says.
About K800 million worth of road contracts to upgrade sections of Highways in Manus, West Sepik, Madang, East New Britain and Central Provinces were signed off by the Governor General Grand Chief Sir Bob Dadae on Thursday.
“These contracts are fully funded by the National Government.
“And it shows the commitment by the Government to rebuild and restore our economic highways throughout the country on our main highways including Ramu – Madang Highway, Magi Highway, and Sepik coastal Highways leading to West Sepik from East Sepik.
“We also saw a big contract for roads to link up East and West New Britain Highway.
“Contracts was fairly distributed equal to all regional Highways to fully maintain the roads to the required standard.”
“This is really the way to go as roads, once they are in improved state, it will be supporting businesses. It’s very important.
“Most of our highways were neglected for many years and backload of cost keeps on rising.
“And I’m pleased for the Government’s approach in taking the restoration of the Highways.
“Roads are important to stimulate and attract businesses.”
Wereh said that 40 percent of these contracts were given to local contractors to make sure that Government’s key policy in building the local industry is well considered to support local contractors become major partners in the connect PNG program.
“And under that Program we will have K1 billion every year to fund roads throughout the country.
“It will create employment and local economy.
“Our target is to see that by 2025 all the highways are built up to standard.
“And by 2025 we see Highlands is link to Southern and Momase regions.”
