Focus turns to proposed Anzac road

By HELEN TARAWA
THE completion of the K139 million Oro bridges allows PNG an opportunity to urge the Australian and New Zealand governments to build the proposed Anzac Highway, Deputy Prime Minister Sir Leo Dion says.
Speaking at the opening of the last of the four bridges built by Canstruct Australia with funding assistance from the Australian government and support from the Works Department, Sir Leo said the project was subject to further high-level bilateral talks with the transTasman neighbours.
“PNG values this partnership and will always endeavour to foster and strengthen it so that we can get the best value for our investment,” he said.
“This government is investing a lot in infrastructure as the catalyst for economic growth and prosperity.
“Today, the people of Northern it’s your turn to realise the commitment that this government has made to you and your children’s future and please take ownership of these bridges and it will take care of your needs.
“It’s time to appreciate the ongoing partnership with the Australian people through their government in terms of providing the necessary funding for this project.
“Through the leadership of this province, pushing this project and all the other projects must be achieved.
“We acknowledge the administration for advising the government to make sure that the projects are kept in the limelight.
“It’s a good example because it’s not taken just overnight, it’s taken a lot of discussions between our partners as well as within government to achieve that.”
Works Minister Francis Awesa recently said that the Government was putting through a proposal for a national highway to connect Popondetta to Port Moresby.
He said that it would be one of the 16 “missing links” yet to be established in the country and it was about time the track was upgraded and called Anzac Highway.