Major infrastructure projects kick off in Dei District

(L-R) Godfrid Umba- Kaiaworks Managing Director receiving the contract award from DDA members, Stanley Konga (middle) and Dei DDA CEO Raphael Koldop. (NBC News)

Just a week after launching its major development projects, the Dei District Development Authority [DDA] has taken the next step by putting contractors on the ground to begin work.

At a small but important event held in Mt Hagen last week, Dei DDA Chief Executive Officer Raphael Koldop awarded contracts to three companies- Kaiaworks, China Civil Engineering Construction Company [CCECC] and Aesthetic PNG Ltd-all bearing reputations for delivering quality work.

The biggest contract package went to Kaia Works, which will carry out the Bulg-Kuk road sealing worth K6 million and the Moka-Keta road sealing worth K9 million.

The company will also reconstruct two bridges along these roads [Moka and Namali], bringing the total value of its contract to K18 million.

The Bulg-Kuk road links to the Kuk World Heritage Site, a globally recognized historical and tourism location in the district.

Meanwhile, the K3.2 million Hun Bridge project was awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Company.

The company will construct a two-lane concrete bridge, similar to the Muka Bridge, which is currently under construction by the national government.

Work begins on the Kondopina culvert along the Waghi Bridge section. This project is carried out by Aesthetic PNG Ltd with a total cost of K260,000. (Image: Supplied)

The third contract went to Aesthetic PNG Limited for the reconstruction Kondopina culvert, where work has already begun.

As part of the contract arrangements, the Dei DDA released the first 40 percent mobilization payments to kick-start most of the projects, while Aesthetic PNG received full payment to continue its ongoing work.

Speaking during the awarding, CEO Raphael Koldop said Dei District had been left behind in terms of service delivery since 2023, and the current leadership is determined to change that.

“Our people have waited long enough and they are hungry for services. We are starting with roads because they are key to development. We want to see services delivered now, not later," Koldop stressed.

Koldop added that the DDA had carefully checked the background of all contractors before awarding the projects, ensuring they are capable and reliable.

After receiving the contract, Kaia Works Managing Director Godfrid Umba thanked the DDA for the confidence shown in his company.

“I thank the Dei DDA for trusting Kaia Works. We will deliver these projects within the given timeframe and to the required standards," Mr. Umba added.

Umba also announced that Kaia Works will assist with clean-up and minor works on feeder roads along their project routes as part of giving back to the community.

An excavator at the collapsed Hun Bridge signifying work already in progress by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) into a two-lane concrete bridge. (Image: Supplied)

Similar commitments were also made by representatives from Aesthetic PNG Limited and CCECC.

In terms of payments, Kaia Works received K2.3 million, CCECC received K409,000, while Aesthetic PNG Limited was paid the full K260,000 for the Kondopina culvert work.

The remaining funds will be released progressively as construction continues.

In total, the Dei DDA released close to K5 million during the contract awarding.

Work has now officially begun on the Moka-Keta Road, Bulg-Kuk Road, and the Hun Bridge, signifying the restoration of vital infrastructure services in Dei.