Port Moresby Flyover bridge construction starts

The construction of the multi million kina Kookaburra Flyover to link Jackson’s International Airport and Sir John Guise Stadium in Waigani is set to start soon.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday at the project site in Port Moresby.

The project contractor Hawkins Group completed planning the four-lane flyover over the last six months and is now ready to begin construction.

Mr O’Neill said the road has been long coming and applauded the commitment of the National Executive Council, NCD Governor Powes Parkop and members of NCDC in making sure that some of these major projects in the city get off the ground.

"The 2015 Games has put an extra burden on us to complete all these projects on time but we thank the Minister for Sports and Pacific Games for making sure all projects get underway so that we deliver the best Pacific Games ever.

"The government’s commitment is there, we want to see the projects completed on time and delivered to our country," he said.

The Prime Minister thanked Hawkins for taking on the challenge and also Fletcher Morobe, both New Zealand companies.

They have been awarded over K700 million in contracts from the PNG Government because of their high standard of governance and quality output.

NCD Governor Powes Parkop stated that once the project is completed, it will change the face of city and the nation.

"It will ease traffic congestion and help all the athletes that will come for the 2015 Pacific Games.

"More importantly, it will show that we can build this type of infrastructure in PNG that can facilitate the development of our country and our people," he added.

Mr Parkop said all credit should go to the prime minister, with his vision and commitment towards all the infrastructure developments in the city and all over PNG.

"The funds made available by this government for the infrastructure is historical and that will not only facilitate the games but will leave a legacy for the development and modernisation of the city.

"Because all our provinces are competing, it is a political risk for the prime minister to take such a step; but he has the shared vision that we have," Mr Parkop said.

"The Government will spend about K1.7 billion by the time all infrastructure developments are completed in Port Moresby and that is a massive investment

"Port Moresby is still the gateway to PNG and the analysis the prime minister has put in place is valid and we thank him," he added.

Meanwhile, the governor has proposed that the flyover be named after the prime minister, but he (O’Neill) declined.

PNG Today/Post Courier