K116 million work on h’way starts in Manus

The famous East – West Highway’s work was carried out due to late Grand chief Sir Michael Somare’s promise to the Manus people to upgrade and seal the highway. The late founding father made the promise 30 years ago and committed K32 million. His promise was fulfilled by the Marape-Rosso Government when they committed K116 million for the project
It was one of the first six project to be launched under the Connect PNG Programme. The six projects alone will cost the state over K900 million which will form parts and parcel of the K20 billion Commitment made by the Marape-Rosso Government for the next 20 years (2020 – 2040) under the programme.
During the commissioning, about K15 million was paid to the contractor, Covec PNG Limited to start work on the highway.
Minister for Works and Highways Hon Solan Mirisim said that his department stands ready toimplement this program and address the day-to-day concerns of the road uses to some of our fast-deteriorating highways and major economic feeder roads in the country.
“I would like to say thank you to the Marape-Rosso Government for having the confidence in me by appointing me as the minister to look after a very important department whose business is to service the nerve system of the heart and soul of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
He said under the programme, the Government aims at providing sound foundation for better productivity and building of strong economy by improving access to markets, for the local farmers and enhancing connectivity to support urban and rural economy.