Roadworks making difference

AUSTRALIAN-funded work to maintain more than 120km of the Sepik Highway is making a big difference, according Australian High Commission official Benedict David.
David said the K20 million project would replace culverts, patch potholes and undertake full-width pavement repairs through to 2020.
He said it would improve the road and extend its life cycle.
“Road maintenance is so important for keeping businesses and communities connected,” he said.
“It ensures roads are kept in good condition in the most cost-effective way.
“This maintenance-first approach is a shared priority for the Papua New Guinea-Australia partnership and is delivering real benefits to the travelling public.”
Initial work to clear roadsides is making travel safer for pedestrians and vehicles using the highway.
Maprik MP John Simon can see the benefits of the project already.
“The agriculture sector is a major part of our economy. A reliable connection between Maprik and Wewak is important to the continued development,” he said.
“Already more than 6000 vehicles travel along the Sepik Highway each week and this is expected to increase.”
“Reducing travel times and maintaining accessibility will provide a significant boost to local vanilla and cocoa growers as they bring their goods to market. I am very thankful for the partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia.”
Governor Allan Bird said: “Good roads are at the heart of delivering services to the people.
“This work is improving the comfort and safety for road users and providing many opportunities. More than 110 local residents are already employed in a range of roles from traffic controllers to machine operators and project engineers.”
The work complement other, the Australian-funded contracts on the Sepik Highway beyond Maprik to the provincial border.
Local contractors continue to undertake a range of essential maintenance activities.