People need better roads

I AM not an expert in civil engineering or construction, but I have some issues that I want to point out.
Road construction in Papua New Guinea should be done according to technical specifications as per the contract agreement.
This means roads should be built according to the scope of works to give value for the money.
This is not happening.
Most times, you will see that roads are downsized.
This shows that specifications are not considered.
For instance; in some areas structures such as culverts and drainage systems are overlooked.
This is mostly to cut costs and save money and as a result, the work done is of low quality. I am worried about our people in the rural areas can be easily fooled.
Most rural roads in PNG are built on the basis of mobilisation and patrol grading and that is it.
Some contractors leave roads incomplete with the excuses of limited or no funding.
Contractors escape with millions by delaying work and not fullfiling their contractual obligations. The same is done in building construction and maintenance as well.
There are many examples of these types of road construction in the country that are left unfinished.
On the other hand, most roads deteriorate just six months after completion.
People can be easily conned when they see machineries and equipment in rural areas doing patrol grading.
It is good to help people access roads, however, the sustainability part remains under question.
How best will provincial governments maintain these roads?
What should be done to ensure roads get regular maintenance?
Provincial governments should be able to maintain roads regularly and have the capacity to fund maintenance.
Rome was not built in a day.
Roads built by the Roman Empire took years to complete.
We should learn from the Roman Empire.
We can’t rely on patrol grading and gravelling alone.
It is a waste of time, money and resources and a band-aid solution.
We need better roads.

Morris Samuga
Waigani