More than 300,000 people across Bougainville are benefiting from ongoing Australian-funded road maintenance and infrastructure works aimed at keeping communities connected, improving transport and supporting local economic activity.
The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby said Australia is working with Papua New Guinea’s Department of Works and Highways and the Department of Infrastructure and Utilities to maintain and improve key transport links, including the Bougainville Trunk Road, the region’s main transport corridor.
Australia contributes about K26 million annually towards maintaining the trunk road to ensure people can travel safely and reliably throughout the year.
Current works include sealing sections of the Bougainville Trunk Road, emergency repairs following Cyclone Maila, bridge upgrades and community-based road maintenance activities.
The Community Works Arrangements have also created more than 2,000 local jobs each year, generating about K2.9 million in indirect income for communities while maintaining critical infrastructure.
The commission in a statement said Australia is also investing in local capacity by supporting engineers from the Department of Works and Highways and the Department of Infrastructure and Utilities to strengthen the skills needed to manage and maintain Bougainville’s road network.
Representatives from the Australian Government, the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government recently established the Bougainville Roads Coordination Committee to coordinate maintenance priorities and future investment across the network.
Department of Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba said the Bougainville Trunk Road remained a vital transport link for communities throughout the region.
“The Bougainville Trunk Road is a critical link for communities across the region. This ongoing work is helping people travel safely, access essential services and get their goods to market,” Mr. Holemba said.
Autonomous Bougainville Government Chief Secretary Kearnneth Nanei said the road works were creating jobs while improving access to essential services.
“These road works are creating local jobs and helping communities stay connected to the services and opportunities they rely on,” Mr. Nanei said.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers said reliable roads were essential to Bougainville’s development.
“The Bougainville Trunk Road is a lifeline for communities across the region, connecting people to schools, health services, markets and economic opportunities,” Dr Rogers said.
“Australia is proud to work alongside PNG and Bougainville partners to maintain and improve these vital transport links.
“This work helps communities stay connected while supporting economic activity across the region.”