VITAL road networks in the Autonomous Bougainville Region are being improved under the Papua New Guinea and Australian Partnership through a roads and highway rehabilitation Program.
The Australian Government has been working with the Department of Works and Highways and the Department of Infrastructure and Utilities to maintain and improve some of Bougainville’s most important transport links.
A major road network where work is currently underway include the Bougainville Trunk Road which connects Buka in the Nothern tip of the region to Awara and Kieta in Central Bougainville and on to Buin and Siwai in the south.
Works and Highways Department Secretary, Gibson Holemba said the Bougainville Trunk Road is a critical link for communities across the region.
“The ongoing work is helping people travel safely, access essential services and get their goods to market,” said Mr. Holemba.
More than 300,000 people across Bougainville are benefiting from ongoing road maintenance and infrastructure work which is keeping communities connected and supporting local economic activity.
Chief Secretary of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Kearnneth Nanei says the road project has provided work opportunity for Bougainvilleans.
“These road works are creating local jobs and helping communities stay connected to the services and opportunities they rely on,” said Secretary Nanai.
The Bougainville Trunk Road is the region’s main transport corridor that provides the route for cocoa farmers to export cocoa from Buka.
Australia supports the Autonomous Bougainville Government and contributes approximately K26 million each year toward its maintenance.
The current road works include sealing sections of the Bougainville Trunk Road, emergency repairs following Cyclone Maila, bridge upgrades and community-based maintenance activities.
Community Works Arrangements have created over 2000 local jobs each year which brings K2.9m indirect income to local communities while maintaining critical infrastructure.
Australia is also investing in local capability, 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 met to establish the Bougainville Roads Coordination Committee which will help align maintenance priorities and coordinate future investment across the network.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Dr Cate Rogers said reliable roads play a vital role in supporting communities across Bougainville.
“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.
A similar partnership was also set up in Northern Province to help improve and maintain the 42 kilometer Kokoda Highway Scooping Study, for the road link between Embara to Fala Bridges..
For Bougainville, 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,” said Rogers.
