DoWH signed an MOU with the rubber industry to build rubberised road systems in PNG

The Department of Works and Highways has ventured into a partnership with the Rubber Industry Development Board to construct rubberized road systems following the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

The MoU signed will consider the adoption of Cuplump Modified Bitumen and Cuplumb Modified Asphalt Technology for the development of this new proposed road structure in the country under the Connect PNG Program.

DoWH minister Solan Mirisim said applying new technologies to the development of high-standard roads in PNG is essential and would benefit PNG in the long run.

“I appreciate the innovations in road technology concerning the adoption of and application of global standards and technologies that are relevant and suitable to our circumstances such as climate, terrain, technical capacity, contractor capacity, and of course financial and cost implications,” he said.

“At the moment, the Department of Works and Highways is working to ensure all the roads developed and maintained are of higher standards with tested and approved technologies and standards so that we achieve value for money, generate higher returns on investment, and sustainability.

“The Connect PNG Program, which is the Government's 'flagship' road infrastructure development program is a long-term [20 years] development program with a vision to achieve 100% Road Connectivity and Accessibility for PNG by 2040.

“Therefore, any road development technologies and standards that are cost-effective, suitable to our environment, and sustainable need to be assessed, tested, evaluated, and adopted when all the boxes are ticked off. Such technologies and standards will certainly contribute towards ensuring the Connect PNG Program is successfully delivered.”

Mr Mirisim said the alliance between the two parties through the MOU will focus on 14 major corridors.

The construction of these new roads would also pave the way for agriculture to flourish and reach the larger market industries through stout transportation links.

He added that the National Agriculture Strategic Plan (NASP) 2023-2033, would materialize through the Connect PNG Program and it was fitting for DoWH to partner with the Agriculture Department through the rubber industry.

“It is indeed correct as rural PNG where agricultural production takes place are connected by roads,” he said.

“And this partnership is essentially translating the expectation of the Prime Minister to see the NASP being implemented on the back of the improved roads and newly constructed roads under the Connect PNG Program.”

He concluded by saying that the collaborative efforts would ultimately lead to a decision as to the adoption or otherwise of the proposed technology in the MOU.