Rapid response to Oro repairs

Australia has provided approximately K1.5 million in funding for emergency works on the Northern and Kokoda Highways after recent rains caused flooding and storm damage in Oro Province.

Floodwaters caused significant damage to local river crossings on the Girua and Kumusi Rivers, at Haijo Bridge and Siao Culvert. Working in partnership with PNG’s Department of Works, Australia promptly provided funding of K1.5 million for emergency remediation works. Oro’s Provincial Department of Works was able to respond quickly to undertake remedial works with the assistance of the project contractor for the Oro Bridges Reconstruction Project. The emergency works undertaken helped to ensure continued access to vital services for communities across Oro Province.

Secretary of the PNG Department of Works, David Wereh, was pleased that remedial works were undertaken so promptly. “I am very glad that we were able to work together with Australia to ensure a prompt response and undertake emergency works on the structures damaged by recent flooding."
He also noted that Australia’s support was part of a longer term solution to mitigate the impact floods have on the Northern and Coastal Highways through the Oro Bridges Reconstruction Project. Through this project, Australia and PNG are jointly investing over K139 million in Oro Province to replace bridges at Eroro, Girua, Ambogo and Kumusi that were washed away as a result of Cyclone Guba in 2007.

The four new bridges have been designed to withstand future flooding and extreme weather events. Good progress is being made to complete the bridges, with deep foundations laid at all sites and completed steelwork now bringing the bridges to life. Once complete these bridges will connect communities in Oro Province from the coast to the airport, market, Kokoda and beyond.