Upgrade Milfordhaven Road

 THE Prime Minister has criticised Deputy Opposition Leader and Bulolo MP Sam Basil over claims that not enough public funds have been spent on projects in Morobe. 

The PM is right, hundreds of millions kina has been expended on concrete roads in Lae city, most often in areas not needing these type of roads.

Over K150 milion that was spent on three roads, the back road from Malahang to Bumayong, Telkom Road from back road to Independence Drive and corner of Independence Drive to Igam Barracks. 

Two of these three roads have no heavy vehicle traffic while the third the back road, has no development for 11 of its 12km length. 

While concrete roads undoubtedly have longer lasting qualities, do we really need a concrete road serving areas that have no industry and minimal vehicle traffic?

The Government spent this much money on unnecessary roads, yet forgets to do anything about the deplorable state of Milfordhaven Road – the access road to the Highlands Highway, the lifeblood of PNG. It is absurd that our Works Minister and PM are satisfied with their work. 

If there was one road in the entire province and indeed the entire country, which should have been repaired it should have been Milfordhaven Road. A straightforward two minute drive is now a 10-15 minutes harrowing journey over mountainous craters.

I know as I make this trip several times per day. Every single trip entering and exiting the Lae Port must traverse this road. 

It’s an embarrassment to the entire country that its most important road is in such a state. Hundreds of truckloads of vital Import cargo take this route and the cost of repairs to vehicle is passed straight down to the consumer.

When will Works Department announce a contract for this road? 

Frustrated Manager

Lae