Reconsider new highway project

I REFER to the article “K2.35 billion road link project between Pom and Lae” (Sept 27).
Don Polye should reconsider the Pom-Lae road project and use the K2.35 billion on more vital and constructive things like:
*Maintaining existing roads and bridges around the country;
*Assisting in rural development projects;
*Promoting HIV/AIDS awareness programme;
*Promoting agricultural management;
*Communication; and
*Information technology and other basic needs that will help our country to improve our living standard.
From an engineer’s point of view, before a new road or structure is constructed, it is important to assess whether the project is economically viable or not.
I believe the 176km road link between Lae and Port Moresby will create more problems and add more burden to the country’s economy.
Problems like compensations, road maintenance, accidents, vehicle operating cost, urban migration and law and order problems are vital issues that must be addressed and assessed very carefully.
To build a new road is easy but the main issues are the social, economical and financial aspects, and most importantly, how will the country benefit from it?
For instance, Highlands Highway contributes to 33% of the country’s economy and currently, most of the maintenance and rehabilitation works along the highway are funded by AusAID and Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA).
This clearly indicates that the Government is not capable of looking after its assets.
Currently, drugs, alcohol and prostitution activities are rampant along the Highlands Highway, resulting in a dramatic increase in drug trafficking, road accidents and increase in HIV/AIDS cases.
I believe if the road link between Lae and Port Moresby is constructed the following problems would arise:
A. Social problems:
1. Drug trafficking;
2. Prostitution activities;
3. Illegal selling of alcohol and fuel;
4. Ethical and social issues like domestic violence, rape, etc;
5. Urban migration; and
6. Spread and increase of HIV/AIDS.
B. Financial problems:
1. Maintenance cost – is the Government fit to maintain the road during and after the design period of the road?
2. Vehicle operating cost – lack of road maintenance can increase vehicle operating cost, thus discouraging road users to use the road. Who will use the road?
C. Economical issues:
1. What benefit or economical activities will the new road cater for?
2. How much will the new road contribute to the country’s economy?
As a True Papua New Guinean, I ask Polye and the leaders of this nation to discuss, reassess and analyse the proposal thoroughly before approving it.
I would also like to ask Polye to justify the viability of the Lae to Port Moresby link.
If we can solve the problem of HIV/AIDS, provide better services to the rural areas, encourage people to develop their land, work together to stop crime and stop corruption, I believe we can build roads anywhere in Papua New Guinea.

Henry Lindon
Tabubil