Nearly three months after having inked the K1.97 billion missing link road project connecting Port Moresby to Alotau via Abau, Governor-General, H.E. Grand Chief Sir Bob Bofeng Dadae, has executed two major road construction contracts worth more than K1.1 billion for West Sepik Province under the Government’s Connect PNG Programme.
The contracts, signed on Tuesday at Government House in Port Moresby on behalf of the State, cover the construction of key sections of the Sepik Highway and the Vanimo–Green River Road corridor aimed at improving connectivity and supporting economic development in the province.
The first contract covers the design and construction of the Sepik Highway from Warasikau Bridge (CH168+402km) to Lumi–Karaitem Road (CH257+754km), spanning 89.352 kilometers.
The project is valued at K374.29 million, inclusive of GST and contingency, and is scheduled for completion over 60 months.
The Department of Works and Highways accepted the bid by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (PNG) Limited to undertake the works.
Company representatives Klaus Jiang and Jeremy Zhu signed the agreement in the presence of Governor-General Sir Bob and Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba.
The second contract provides for the design and construction of the 186.9-kilometre Vanimo–Green Road corridor from Daunda Junction through Vanimo Town to Green River Station.
Valued at K726.24 million, inclusive of GST and contingency, the project will be delivered over 72 months.
The National Executive Council approved the award of the contract to China Harbor Engineering Company (PNG) Limited, with company representatives Qi Zinhua and Deng Yongxing signing the agreement.
Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba said both projects fall within the department’s statutory responsibilities under the Road (Management and Fund) Act 2020 and align with the Government’s national road development and connectivity objectives under the Connect PNG Programme.
The two projects, he said, are expected to strengthen transport access across West Sepik Province and advance the Government’s long-term infrastructure agenda aimed at linking communities and opening economic opportunities across the country.