Markham MP signs contract to start road, bridge construction

 A LOW key signing yesterday in Morobe marked the end to two decades of isolation for the Onga Waffa people on the Markham plains.

Markham MP and Housing Minister Paul Isikiel inked a contract for K1.5 million with a local construction company and urged that work on the Onga Waffa road and bridge start next month.

“My people in that area have been cut off for more than 20 years and I want work to start urgently,” Isikiel said.

Local company FTM Construction was the successful bidder out of a number of very competent bidders, according to the minister.

“The total value of the contract is K4 million and the first installment payment of K1.5 million will be followed up with regular installment payments until the road work is complete,” he said.  

FTM Construction principal John Rosso said: “Most of our roads and bridges have been left to fall into shambles and no one had done anything about this sad situation.

“That is why I commend your foresight in awarding this contract to fix this road and bridge.”

Rosso also said that maintenance work on the Wantoat-Leron road was completed and its official opening was anticipated shortly.

“This road has been closed for four years and has severely affected the lives of the many communities in that area,” he said.