ADB: US$2bil given for transport

THE Asian Development Bank’s (ADB’s) cumulative lending to transport operations in Papua New Guinea reached US$2.1 billion (about K7.2 billion) last year, according to the bank.
The bank in its Pacific transport update 2022 highlighted that its new country partnership strategy for the country, Papua New Guinea, 2021–2025 – achieving diversified, sustained, and inclusive growth, had the overall goal of supporting diversified, sustained, and inclusive growth; and placed considerable emphasis on leveraging transport infrastructure to connect people with markets and opportunities.
“Ongoing lending activities focus on developing sustainable road networks, ensuring that aviation facilities meet international safety standards, and safeguarding coastal villages against changing weather patterns,” the update said.
“TA is complementing physical works by increasing domestic capacity to plan, build and maintain resilient transport infrastructure.
“Given the large scale and comprehensive range of projects, this section on PNG is subdivided into land, maritime, and aviation initiatives.”
According to ADB, although PNG is home to an extensive road and highway network, there are still missing links, and key land transport assets are falling into disrepair.
Upgrading PNG’s land transport infrastructure is essential to connecting people to opportunities and basic services, while also supporting the national economy to continue growing.
“PNG is ADB’s largest Pacific developing member country in terms of landmass, population and GDP (gross domestic product),” the bank said.
“In 2019, its population was estimated to be 9.3 million people, spread across 20 administrative provinces on the main island of New Guinea – which houses half of the nation’s population – and several smaller island groups.
“More than 85 per cent of PNG’s population live in rural areas, and the country’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure constrain the provision of basic goods and services.
“Rugged geography creates a heightened reliance on domestic aviation whereas islands and coastal-dwelling communities are heavily dependent on maritime transport.
“Gaps in the road network mean economically productive areas in the interior, isolated from markets.
“Improving intermodal transport can increase access to employment opportunities and social services while bolstering economic growth.
“ADB is helping PNG to deliver safer and more efficient transport between rural areas, urban centres, and international destinations.”