Roads official urges more support for pilot project

 By LUKE KAMA

THE project for capacity development on road maintenance in PNG, piloted by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, is important and needs support from stakeholders, an official says.

Acting Morobe works manager Kingsford Kassen said the JICA team of experts had given 48 plants and equipment to pilot the project for the development of roads.

“The project was very important to enhance the capacity-building and improve the skills and knowledge of engineers, surveyors, mechanics and plant operators to be effective and efficient and deliver quality roads constructions,” he said.

“Since the inception of the pilot project in 2014, we have seen improvement in our skills and knowledge. But one of the major constraints was the lack of funding from the Government.”

Kassan said the project had been piloted in East Sepik, Morobe, West New Britain and Western Highlands.

East Sepik acting works manager Samuel Moses said the project was very important to increase capacity building of locals and improve roads.

Works Secretary David Wereh attended the joint coordination committee meeting between JICA and the Department of Works. 

He assured them of financial support next year to implement the project.