K1bil deal signed for highway

THE Asian Development Bank and the Government have signed a US$325 million (about K1.1 billion) loan as the second funding of the sustainable Highlands Highway investment programme.
This is a key transport development connecting some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote rural communities and farmers to services and market opportunities.
Asian Development Bank director-general for the Pacific Leah Gutierrez and Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey signed the agreement last week to fund the upgrading of bridges and support the safe movement of people.
“The sustainable Highlands Highway investment programme is not only developing critical transport infrastructure and better connecting rural communities, it is also training the next generation of women civil engineers who
will continue to connect communities for decades to come,” she said.
Ling-Stuckey said: “This project is creating more opportunities for about three million people in the Highlands region, both in terms of business activity and widening access to social services.
“Enhanced safety is a key feature and road users will benefit from shorter travel times and lower vehicle operating costs.
“Maintaining the road and enhanced connectivity will increase mobility and encourage farmers to shift from subsistence to market-based, high-volume agriculture.”
The plan is to upgrade 71 bridges along the Highlands Highway, comprising 41 two-lane and 30 single-lane bridges, between Morobe’s Lae and Nadzab Airport and Western Highlands’ Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, to meet national design standards and mitigate climate change risks.
The replacement of these bridges will include pedestrian walkways separated by rails or barriers and will provide easy accessibility for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and children.
At least 20 water points for washing and bathing will be installed on bridges, which will provide safer amenities for women.
Works Department staff, including three women, will be trained to conduct bridge condition assessment using advanced design techniques.
The Asian Development Bank-supported programme will also improve the sustainability of the Highlands Highway.
It is rehabilitating and upgrading 430km of the Highlands Highway, improving road safety, supporting the establishment of logistics platforms and services for agricultural production and improving sector governance through reforms and institutional development.