Chamber concern at road closures

 THE Lae Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the increase in traffic congestion in Lae caused by the upgrading of different road sections at the same time.

Chamber president, Allan McLay said in its newsletter that four contracts were given to different contractors on just one project.

McLay said the chamber was adopting the approach of “making the most out of the situation” by reminding the contractors to constantly notify the public of road works and closures.

“One of the problems with the Lae roads works at the moment is the fact that four companies are working on different roads under separate contracts, all at the one time,” he said.

“Each contractor is working in complete isolation to each other, and do not want their project to be delayed as this will cost them money.

“The Department of Works is the supervising engineers and is giving the go-ahead for each project, in fear that they will incur contract variations.

“Therefore we are pointing out to all the contractors that they need to constantly notify the travelling public of road works and closures.

“They must be aware of the road works and road closures associated with the other contractors, and where there is a conflict, they must bear in mind the necessity to maintain a reasonable flow of traffic,” McLay said.