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Saturday, May 19, 2018

Port Moresby road works near completion

Friday May 18, 2018

Major road infrastructure works in and around Port Moresby are due for completion before the APEC Leaders’ Summit in November, according to city manager Bernard Kipit.

In fact, three out of six major road projects will be completed well before the end of August.

Ela Beach is the first major project to be completed on schedule, due to be opened to traffic by the end of July.

That will be followed by Stanley Esplanade in town and Independence Drive in Waigani, both due to be opened for traffic by the end of August.

The rehabilitation of the Freeway, Independence Boulevard, Independence Drive and the Wards Road roundabouts will be completed by the end of October.

All projects are consistent with NCDC’s four year plan.

 Kipit said there was no easy way to avoid the traffic congestion caused by the road works.

“In the example of the Freeway, traffic could not be diverted around site, as the surrounding roads were not designed for heavy or oversized vehicles," he said.

"So the Freeway has had to be rehabilitated in sections.

“But I want to assure the public that the end to our traffic woes is just around the corner.

“The cost to NCDC and our people has been minimal as the road projects have been funded by a series of generous non-tied aid grants from China.

“In the case of Ela Beach where we originally had to remove 100 trees to make way for the new-look Ela Beach.

"We are planting over 1,000 trees – which will transform Ela Beach in to a real showcase for Papua New Guinea, especially with APEC Haus as part of the landscape.

“It’s a win for our people and a win for the environment. 

“Motorists have been patient and their patience will be rewarded with Port Moresby connected with world-class roads infrastructure, the likes we have never before seen in our capital city.

“It has been a case of short term pain for long term gain.

“The new roads will facilitate the further growth and development of our city for the benefit of all.

“I wish to reassure motorists and residents that our major road works will soon come to an end, with world class roads as the reward for our patience, planning and perseverance."

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