Bridges nearly finished

A K139 MILLION project to build four new bridges at Eroro, Girua, Ambogo and Kumusi to replace bridges destroyed by Cyclone Guba in 2007 is nearly complete.
This high-impact project, which is being delivered by the Department of Works and funded by Australia, sees bridges constructed at the four crossings between Kumusi and the coast.
This will help improve access for communities on the Northern and Kokoda highways.
The people of Northern rely heavily on the road network for livelihoods and wellbeing. Access to essential services such as health and education as well as vital income generating opportunities have been severely reduced since Cyclone Guba swept through the region in 2007.
The road corridor directly serves 97,000 people, which is nearly half the population of the province.
The road also serves as the main artery for the transport of oil palm, which is the dominant agricultural product in the province.
Blockages along the corridor therefore have a serious impact on the local economy.
This investment will enable improved all-weather access – a boon for the local economy.
Families who need to get their crops to market will also benefit from the new infrastructure.
Local resident Fethel grows coffee and oil palm and understands the vital role that safe bridges play.
“Without these bridges it was expensive, time consuming and sometimes dangerous to get to market to earn money for my family.
“Now I know I can plan for a better future for my children.”
Alongside the reconstruction of these important bridges, this project has employed around 200 local residents in a range of skilled and unskilled jobs.
This has ensured the benefits of this project are maximised by enabling local community members to learn new skills and generate income.