MAJOR ROAD REHAB IN RABAUL DISTRICT
Picture Caption: Nivani Ltd Construction workers cementing the edge beams of the road along the Tunnel Hill.
RABAUL District is currently rolling out major road rehabilitation in some of its main roads in the district.
The roads that are currently being maintained includes the Blanche Bay Rd, Second 22nd Street along the Page Park Market, Bay Rd, and the historic Tunnel Hill Rd.
Rabaul district, Acting District Administrator Freddy Lemeki said that these projects were approved last year through the Provincial Procurement Committee and work has started for most.
Lemeki said these when giving a brief on the status of the infrastructure projects.
He said these impact projects are important for fostering economic development and enhancing tourism.
“The Blanche Road along the beach front is a vital economic road which connects our sea ports with the market and business houses; it links our supply food chain. Not only does it connect us to the wharves but it is also the gateway to our cruise ships berthing,” said Lemeki.
He further thanked the contractor Nivani Ltd for completing the phase 1 of the Blanche Road rehabilitation and also commended the Provincial Government for co-funding the project. Phase 2 of project has started with clearance of silt underway.
Meantime, Rabaul District Roads Supervisor Jude Gigiala also gave a brief on the status of Tunnel Hill Road and said that this stretch of the road has been deteriorating over the years.
The project was awarded to Nivani Ltd last year at a cost of K2.2m under the Infrastructure Development Program and is 33% complete.
He said that this is another historical and tourism road that leads up to the Haus Guria or Volcano Observatory and also the Provincial Hospital Nonga Base Hospital.
“The project starts from Rabaul Police Station (Checkpoint) and goes down to Toleap Junction towards the Nonga Road which is about 2.3 km and so far, Nivani Ltd is doing drainage works and edge beams repairs,” said Gigiala.
He further added that 2000 meters of edge beams along the road has been constructed and after that they would do pavement repairs and then sealing of road.
The District Roads Supervisor further said that they will also continue with emergency road works and attending to Resettlement roads as part of their programs this year.
