Sunday, September 23, 2018

Bougainville’s cocoa industry benefits from improved roads

Australian High Commission

Bougainville’s cocoa industry and wider economy has received an important boost from completion of an Australian-funded project to reseal more than seven kilometres of Bougainville’s trunk road.

Minister for Technical Services Luke Karaston, Minister Counsellor Australian High Commission Andrew Egan, Autonomous Region of Bougainville Vice President Hon Raymond Masono and local Chief Glen Tovirika meet with local smallholders to discuss how the improved road surface supports Bougainville’s cocoa industry.


The K7 million project to repair and reseal the national highway in Tinputz has been delivered as part of the PNG-Australia partnership.

The local community celebrates the opening of the new road.

The works between Iaun Primary School and Pitpit Bridge have also upgraded the drainage and enhanced safety for all road users.

 Iaun Primary School prepares for the festivities 


Ilon Sammy, a local cocoa smallholder, is very impressed with the change that the new road surface is already bringing to her community.

“The smoother, safer road is reducing travel times and improving my connection to markets in Arawa and Buka.”

Minister for Technical Services Hon Luke Karaston, Minister Counsellor Australian High Commission Andrew Egan, Autonomous Region of Bougainville Vice President Raymond Masono and William Nakin Member for North Bougainville cutting the ribbon at the new pedestrian crossing next to Iaun Primary School

Minister for Technical Services, Luke Karaston, values the essential ongoing maintenance of the region’s road network.


“This project is part of Australia’s long term partnership in Bougainville.

Minister for Technical Services Luke Karaston (sixth from left), Autonomous Region of Bougainville Vice President Raymond Masono and Minister Counsellor Australian High Commission Andrew Egan with the contractor at the start of the project


"Together we have delivered improved roads in Arawa and Buin towns, improved the key economic connection from Arawa to Kieta Port, and continue to maintain more than 300km of our national highways across the regions.

“Well maintained roads are crucial for economic development in a prosperous Bougainville.

"I am proud to be able to support our cocoa industry with this project.”

Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Andrew Egan, was delighted to inspect the completed project.

“It’s a privilege to be in Bougainville for the Chocolate Festival this week, and to witness on the ground how improved roads can help Bougainville’s cocoa industry grow and create economic opportunity across communities” he said.

The works provided employment and training to 45 local residents in a wide range of roles and was delivered through the Papua New Guinea -Australia Transport Sector Support Program.

No comments:

Post a Comment