THE sealing work on Southern Highlands’ capital Mendi Town roads will start soon after the local contractor has completed the Asphalt plant instillation process recently.
Construction Oceanic Limited managing director Sape Molumi said the company focused on delivering a high standard surfacing on the town roads by applying Asphalt plant method than bitumen surfacing as it was cost effective and would last up to more than 20 years.
“Technically it was uneconomical to construct drainage and pavement and wait for the asphalt to be installed because if left uncovered, it will deteriorate and will require double handling,” Molumi said.
“We have now resumed the drainage, kerb and channel, foot path works, culverts, pavement and immediately after completion, we will cover with asphalt plant”.
Molumi was responding to commuters concern and public concern after the project was delayed over the past three years.
He said the delay was due to instillation process and shipment and transportation of the Construct Oceanic Limited asphalt plant from China.
“It took three years to install and commission our asplant plant after it arrived in Mendi around 2021 from China via Lae in 18 containers,” he added.
According to the company COL asplant plant was only one in the upper Highlands apart from Chinese owned and normally took time to install.
Asphalt Plant would normally have a ticker layer of 25mm and 40mm while bitumen would had layer with a thickness of 10-20mm.”
“This is one of the reasons why asphalt has a longer lifespan as you can get a staggering of more than 20 years from asphalt road.
“An asphalt surface only requires periodic maintenance, saving you both time and money.”
When it is installed, you will not have to sacrifice precious hours to maintain roads-fixing potholes.”
“We assure the general public that the long awaited project has started and we request your patience and constructive advice either be a two-lane or four-lane as we prepare to deliver within costs and quality.”
