ADB awards road contracts

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) is responsible for selecting engineers and awarding contracts to international construction companies to supervise, maintain and upgrade the Highlands Highway, according to Works and Highways Minister Solan Mirisim.
“The ADB through its board selected contractors during the tender process and recommended (them to) the National Executive Council,” he said.
Mirisim said the Works and Highways Department had nothing to do with awarding road works to contractors following the introduction of the Connect PNG plan in 2020.
He said the ADB – a major development partner – was responsible for the upgrading and maintenance work on the highway.
Kainantu MP William Hagahuno had raised his concern over the deteriorating condition of sections of the highway.
“The road between Henganofi and Wateris in Morobe is in a bad state with lots of potholes,”he said..
“And travelers are vulnerable to holdups and roadblocks.”