28 Jan 2019

Work commences on PNG's Highlands Highway repairs

From , 5:02 am on 28 January 2019

Work has commenced in Papua New Guinea on a nearly $US900 million repair job for the Highlands main highway.

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on Friday launched the Highlands Highway rehabilitation project in the Eastern Highlands town of Goroka.

The more than 400-kilometre stretch of road is expected to be patched up within the next 10 years.

Capsized vehicles, potholes and other obstructions have made the road treacherous in recent years.

The project has been awarded to three Chinese construction companies, facilitated by the Asian Development Bank.

Our correspondent in PNG, Melvin Levongo, was at the launch on Friday, and spoke with Mackenzie Smith.

PNG Children on Highlands Highway

Photo: RNZ Pacific/ Koroi Hawkins