Key bridges overlooked, official says

National

By GLORIA BAUAI
Morobe’s Kumalu and Markham bridges are critical sections of the Connect PNG transnational route that have missed out in the existing scope, an official says.
Morobe’s works division manager Samson Apai said Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (Aiffp) programme which covered the Nine Mile junction to Bulolo section, did not include the bridges.
“These two are critical infrastructures that must complement the Connect PNG road or they will pose as a bottleneck to this development,” he said.
Apai said the one-lane Markham Bridge had to be expanded into a double lane while a by-pass was needed for the Kumalu River.
Apai had suggested the assistance of Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) during the president, Dr Akihiko Tanaka’s recent visit to Lae.
“Jica was interested in doing something on the Markham Bridge so hopefully they take it on board to put a double-lane bridge there.
“I’ve also mentioned the need for the Kumalu section which we already did some feasibility studies back in 2019,” Apai said.
He said Australian based-firm Smec Holdings Limited was engaged to do a preliminary design through a K3.5 million contract.
“We’re in the process of negotiating for a by-pass bridge upstream and we’re hopeful with Jica,” he said.
“We cannot seal that section, we cannot put a daily bridge nor can we put just the culvert; it needs a by-pass.
“So yes, it is the most difficult section of the highway because it will require a lot of money to do this permanent fix.
“Currently, we cannot do much pending the design, we’re profiling maintenance every time.
“It will be a valuable intervention if Jica steps in for these two infrastructures.”