K322m for coastal roads

 THE World Bank has approved an additional  $US126.5 million  (K322.7m) for its second road maintenance and rehabilitation programme targeting roads in coastal provinces.

“Vibrant regional economies need better and safer roads that connect people to schools, hospitals, jobs and markets for their goods,” James Reichert, senior infrastructure specialist at the World Bank said.

“These funds will improve transport links for more people in more provinces, helping ensure that people can travel to and from rural as well as urban areas.”

The first road planned for upgrading  is  the 50km East Coast road in Milne Bay, between Alotau and East Cape Point.

Other roads will be identified during the course of the project, including provincial roads and major highways.  The project will include provisions for paid employment in road maintenance in interested communities, including opportunities for women to provide income and training that prepare them for future employment. 

The funding is being provided through a credit of $US126.5 million from the World Bank’s international development association. 

The Government will provide $US30.5m for the project carried out by the Works Department as the counter-part funding component.