Highway scoping on track: MP

 SCOPING and tendering of the Mona Highway upgrading are in the final stages, Goilala MP Daniel Mona says.

It is the only road leading to Goilala. It turns off from the main Hiritano Highway at Bakoidu and runs through Bakoidu into the Mekeo hinterlands, up into the mountains to Tapini Station.

The road is used by public servants based in Tapini station delivering government services and its state has deteriorated over the years requiring upgrading.

Mona said the Department of Works had allocated K5 million to commence work on the road. K5 million more will come from Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

“Department of Works engineers have done studies and the scoping is about to be completed. Once that is done we will put out a tender.

“We will be engaging a competent road builder through the tendering process so that work is done properly on the road.”

Mona has committed K1 million for the District Services Improvement Programme funds.

“There have been landslips which have blocked the road for some time now.

“We have engaged Hau Namona Ltd, a local contractor to upgrade the road and clear the landslips that has been making the road unusable.

“The road should be cleared all the way to Tapini by next week.”

Mona made this announcement at a reception to congratulate Kairuku-Hiri MP Peter Isoaimo on his recent win in the by-election.

Isoaimo has promised to help fund the project since 70% of the highway is in his electorate.