Road projects formalised

 WORK will soon begin on three major road upgrading projects in Port Moresby worth about K227 million.

The projects were formalised by Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio, NCD Governor Powes Parkop and officials of three contractors last Friday.  

Global Constructions Ltd has been awarded a K85.7 million contract for the upgrade of Gordon Industrial area roads while Dekenai Constructions Ltd will receive K77.8 million for the upgrade of Hubert Murray Highway from Erima roundabout to 9-Mile to four-lane road and Hebou Constructions Ltd will get K63.3 million for the upgrade of Morea Tobo Road from 6-Mile market to the old Jackson International Airport terminal, including feeder roads. 

Parkop said after the signing of the contracts that city residents deserved better quality roads.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill for making the commitment and honouring it with this massive investment for our city,” he said. 

“Port Moresby, on behalf of the government, will host the 2014 Melanesian Festival of Arts, the 2015 Pacific Games and the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation conference in 2018.  

“Apart from creating a conducive environment for residents and businesses with the most modern infrastructure, it was also important to prepare for the host of these major events.”  

Parkop said the other outstanding road contracts for the connection road from Badihagwa to Gerehu and all they way to 9-Mile, the Paga Hill ring road, and the Erima roundabout upgrade to Kookaburra Street (Gordon) was awarded to China Harbour, a Chinese engineering firm, Curtain Bros Ltd and Hawkins Ltd of New Zealand respectively. 

“The contracts will be signed in due course once all technical issues are sorted out,” he said.