Work to start on section of highway: PM

Business

THE construction of a highway linking the two New Britain provinces will commence after the awarding of a multi-million kina contract, Prime Minister James Marape says.
Marape said a K138.5 million contract had been issued for the Kimbe to Hoskins section of the New Britain Highway. It would connect Kimbe, in West New Britain with Kokopo, in East New Britain.
Responding to questions from West New Britain governor Sasindran Muthuvel in Parliament this week, Marape said the highway would boost New Britain’s economy.
“That is an important economic corridor and we acknowledge the economic contribution of that part of our country and that road will be given its fair consideration.”
Muthuvel had asked if the Government could make funding for national highways a priority.
He said the provincial governments were blamed for not maintaining major roads in the provinces but these were national roads and was the responsibility of the Government.
Marape said funding had been released last year for the Kimbe to Hoskins road.
“There are some small work that is taking place while not adequate to do a major stretch.
“This year whatever fund that is budgeted for each programme, it will be released as budgeted,” Marape said.