Concerns force Lae-Nadzab road redesign

 The K547.8 million Lae-Nadzab section of the Highlands Highway is one of the priority projects of the government, according to Works secretary David Wereh.

He said that in his update to the transport and infrastructure meeting of the Consultative Implementations and Monitoring Council in Port Moresby on Wednesday.

Wereh said after the contract was signed with China Railway International on September 25, 2013, and after concerns by various ministers, the Department of Works and the construction company revised the pavement design at the Lae-Wau-Bulolo turn-off from nine kilometres to Nadzab.

“The awarded contract with a value of K287.815 million now covers the 14km of the four-lane highway,” he said.

“The section between the Wau-Bulolo turnoff and Nadzab is under design and costing will be available in the first quarter of 2014.

“The estimated cost is K260 million.

“A project trust account was established with K104.159 million being transferred from the National Roads Authority.

“A cash fund certificate was issue for K70.469 million.

“Expenditure to date is K69.512 million with the balance of K0.957 million for use in 2014.”

Wereh said the revised design maintained properly designed drainage and raised roads at low and problematic areas.

“Contractor has agreed to a 40- year warranty for bridges,” he said.

“It is important to note that NRA must pave this road section with 50mm asphalt at year 8 of road serviceability.

“Department of Works has given possession of the site to the contractor and the contractor will mobilise in first quarter of 2014, performance guarantee has been paid by contractor, advance payment has been paid to the contractor, loan application is now with Treasury.”