By GEORGINA MICHAEL
Two PNG companies have been awarded contracts worth a total of K20 million to upgrade sections of the national highway network in West New Britain and Madang provinces.
The contracts were awarded by the National Procurement Commission under the Australian government’s Transport Sector Program Phase 3 (TSSP3) to support the Department of Works and Highways’ (DoWH) infrastructure development program.
DoWH Secretary Gibson Holemba said: “These investments demonstrate the Department’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable and climate resilient infrastructure through open and competitive national procurement systems.
“With strong support from our development partner Australia, we are also building capacity within local contracting and supervision services. This is key to sustaining transport infrastructure across PNG.”
Mr Holemba said Jay LW Contractors Limited had been awarded a K10 million contract for resealing works on a 24km of the section of the New Britain Highway between Balaha Box Culvert and Tiaru Bridge No 1. The upgrades would enhance safety and provide more reliable road access for communities and business along this strategic agricultural corridor.
He added that South Pacific Construction Limited would undertake pavement repairs on a 41.2km section of the Madang coastal highway, also worth K10m. The works would target critical sections and bridge approaches from Airport Junction to Surumarang Bridge, ensuring continued connectivity between the provincial capital and surrounding districts.
The Minister Counsellor Infrastructure with the Australian High Commission, Dr Ate Rogers, reaffirmed Australia’s support for local content and PNG leadership.
“Australia is proud to support infrastructure delivery, that improves roads, builds PNG’s national systems and strengthen local industry. Prioritizing local content, skills and suppliers is central to the way we work together.
“As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, these works reflect the enduring development partnership between PNG and Australia.”