K130m contract for Oro bridges

 THE Government yesterday signed a K130 million contract with an Australian company to re-build four bridges in Northern.  

The contract was signed by Works Secretary David Wereh and Robin Murphy, the founder of Canstruct and sealed by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio at Government House in Port Moresby yesterday. 

The project is jointly funded by the governments of PNG and Australia – K85.5 million and K52.4  million respectively.  

The four bridges are at Ambogo to link Popondetta and Kokoda, Eroro to link Popondetta and the Oro Bay wharf, Girua linking Popondetta town and airport, and Kumusi linking Popondetta and Kokoda. 

The bridges were destroyed by heavy rain and flooding, cutting off service delivery to remote areas.   

A Works Department spokesman said the Government has reserved the funds for the project from a 

performance grant after the department met joint performance targets under the aid programme in 2008. 

Technical assistance will be managed by the PNG-Australia transport sector support programme. 

The project is expected to start early next year and ends in 2016. 

Wereh said: “The lengthy procurement process was the reason behind the delay in executing these priority projects. 

“But  I am pleased that an access route for the people of Northern commuting into the town and districts will finally be constructed through these four bridges.”

Australian High Commissioner Deborah Stokes said the 

bridges would drive economic development and connect thousands of people.