4,000 jobs for Manus

By GYNNIE KERO
AROUND 4,000 jobs will be available for the people of Manus when work begins on a 32km road project, says Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso.
He was in the province yesterday to launch the 32.2km East-West Highway upgrading and sealing project costing K116 million.
Rosso said building roads in the country was not cheap but they were important to the people.
“Transport infrastructure is a key enabler. Good roads enable economic prosperity,” Rosso said.
Homer Wang from the road contractor Covec said the firm was determined to contribute to national development.
“We will focus on local employment during construction,” he said.
Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim said the East-West highway was one of six projects which cost the country more than K900 million.
They are part of the K20 billion commitment by Government over the next 20 years.
Manus MP Job Pomat thanked the Government for the assistance, saying having a sealed road would help the people access basic services.
But he said the K116 million investment for the road was not enough.
“Costs of fuel and food are much higher on Manus compared to anywhere (in the country). Give us another K100 million,” Pomat said.