MEDIA RELEASE
4 October 2007
For immediate release
PNG on the move – by road, air and sea
Upgrade and maintenance of PNG’s roads, ports and airports has taken a big step forward with the announcement of a K700 million Australian contribution to an initiative between the Governments of PNG and Australia.
The Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP) was launched today by Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Mr Chris Moraitis, the Hon Don Polye, Minister for Works, Transport and Civil Aviation, and the Hon Paul Tiensten, Minister for National Planning and Monitoring.
The TSSP will see transport infrastructure development projects in the road, maritime and air sectors brought under one umbrella ensuring greater efficiency and a more effective use of the K700 million of funding from Australia. This funding will be used over the first four years of a program with a 10-15 year life span.
“This program will promote a sector-wide big-picture approach to planning and program implementation,” said Mr Moraitis.
“It will use and strengthen PNG Government policies and systems while empowering the PNG Government to take a significant step forward in the management, upgrade and ongoing maintenance of existing infrastructure in the road, maritime and air sectors.
“The maintenance of essential public infrastructure is a key ingredient for sustained economic growth and poverty reduction. Transport infrastructure is especially important, improving access to services and markets in rural areas for many Papua New Guineans.”
The program will support rural communities in accessing markets via the continued maintenance of 4000km of priority national roads in the short term and ultimately the whole PNG national road network in the medium to long term.
Other examples of work under the TSSP include ensuring that 215km of the New Britain Highway between Bialla and Kimbe is maintained so small holder oil palm producers and local communities can benefit from the lucrative oil palm business.
It will also mean PNG exports can continue to be shipped to international markets in the current commodities boom with the ongoing maintenance of the Highlands Highway – a key lifeline for goods coming in and going out of the country through PNG’s principal port at Lae.
Under the TSSP assistance will be provided in line with PNG's Medium Term Development Strategy, the Public Sector Reform Strategy and the National Transport Development Plan.
Media Inquiries: Anna Awasa, AusAID Public Affairs, Ph: 325 9333 ext 304, 693 1097