Works and Highways Secretary Gibson Holemba has hit back at critics of the Connect PNG Road project, saying the public should not be misled or misinformed about the progress of the 242 kilometre Central-Milne Bay missing link road.
Responding to critics, Mr. Holemba said COVEC has been awarded a K1.6 billion contract to upgrade and seal the 242km road over an eight-year period, with payments to be made over 10 years.
He said the contractor is bringing its own financing to commence the works and has already been given possession of the site.
“Road sealing works will happen. The contractor is currently undertaking designs, mobilizing to site and establishing the campsite,” Mr. Holemba wrote on a WhatsApp platform.
He said the project will also include the construction of bridges and will be built to national highway standards.
The road passes through logging concession areas in Cloudy Bay, Amazon Bay and towards Gadaisu, where logging operations are still continuing.
Mr. Holemba said the missing link between Moreguina and Gadaisu represents a major milestone for Papua New Guinea since Independence.
He urged critics to understand that major road projects take time, particularly when constructing new roads.
“Rome was not built in a day, and eventually the road will be fully constructed,” he said.
He explained that new roads are generally developed in stages:
Stage 1: Pilot Track Road
Stage 2: Class 3 Gravel Road
Stage 3: Class 1 National Road Upgrade and Sealing
Stage 4: Operation and Maintenance through routine maintenance.
Mr. Holemba thanked the public and urged commentators to allow the project to progress rather than providing misleading information about the road’s development.
“The missing link connection between Moreguina and Gadaisu is a milestone achievement since Independence.”