Work to start on Chimbu roads

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Monday 05th December 2011

By SALLY TIWARI
THE construction of the Kundiawa-Gembogl road, Chimbu, is to start next week following the signing of contracts between the Works Department and Shorncliffe Ltd.
The signing of the K25 million project took place last week at Government House between Works secretary Gabriel Tomtai and Papindo Group of companies chief executive officer Alfred Yau, and witnessed by the Governor-General Sir Michael Ogio.
Minister for Transport and Works Francis Awesa said the 10.62km road construction project was initially approved in 2008 with joint funding from the Asian Development Bank and the government.
However, Awesa said construction was delayed because of “political interests” and since he took office he had given priority to implementing the project.
He said the project was part of the national government’s plan to improve the condition of the Highlands Highway, with the Kundiawa-Gembogl road being given priority because of its poor condition.
Awesa said transport was a vital part of the country’s development and the people needed roads to access government services.
Papindo Group of Companies managing director Soekandar Tjandra said they had been waiting for the signing since 2008 and were prepared to take on the project.
He said all the machinery and building materials had already been transported to Kundiawa and the project was expected to start this week.