Paving the way for economic growth in Manus Province

A contract has been signed for a major infrastructure project in Manus Province that will upgrade key road and bridge links to markets and services.

Australia has committed more than AU$16 million for the project, which is part of AU$37 million in additional assistance for Manus Province.

Civil engineering company Shamrock Civil has been selected through an open international competitive tender process to undertake the works. Works are expected to be completed by December 2015 and will include job opportunities for Manusians and PNG citizens.

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, said the project is an important foundation for the economic and social development of Manus Province.

“This project will enable people to access jobs and services, businesses to access clients and markets and ultimately provide the connections which facilitate increased trade, productivity and growth,” Ms Stokes said.

The Secretary of the Department of Works, Mr David Wereh, said: “The projects will alleviate the current poor condition of roads and drainage within Lorengau town, especially in the main business area, which experiences regular flooding causing deterioration of the road pavement around the market.”

Shamrock Civil will work closely with the PNG Department of Works and the Manus Provincial Government to rehabilitate the Loniu and Nuwok bridges, Lorengau to Momote Road, and roads and drains around the Lorengau market square.

The Momote to Lorengau Road works will include earthmoving and construction of retaining walls and seawalls to improve resilience to flooding. The Lorengau Market Square rehabilitation will include earthworks to improve drainage.

The contract will be implemented through the PNG – Australia Transport Sector Support Program which is a long-term commitment by the Australian Government to support the development of PNG’s national transport network.

Shamrock Civil Director, Mr Brendan Kealy said: “Our company has undertaken a number of similar road upgrade projects in Queensland and looks forward to extending our expertise in Manus. Our plans involve undertaking the bridge and road upgrade with minimum disruption and the introduction of improved engineering solutions that will also benefit the local environment and road safety.”

Australia’s additional assistance for Manus province includes the upgrade of the Lorengau Market, rebuilding of the Lorengau police station and building of 20 double classrooms at primary schools across Manus. Australia is also supporting the Manus Provincial Youth Policy with grants and advisers to support sport, income generation and livelihood opportunities, and is funding workshops to support development of business skills.

A study of the Manus economy in September found the Regional Processing Centre and related construction activities, including Australia’s development assistance, have resulted in a 70 per cent increase in the number of formal jobs in the Manus economy and a 60-200 per cent increase in sales by Manus businesses.