PNG's Northern Governor questions TSSP contract process

Questions over the awarding of road contracts under the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP) were raised in Parliament this week by Northern Governor Gary Juffa.

Governor Juffa asked Works and Highways Minister Peter Tsiamalili Jnr to explain who has the authority to award contracts under the Australian-funded program, particularly for the Kokoda Highway sealing project.

 PNG's Northern Governor questions TSSP contract process

He also sought clarification on the partnership and agreements between Papua New Guinea and Australia in delivering the major road project, saying Oro residents deserve to know how decisions affecting the province are made.

The governor told Parliament that the Oro Provincial Government has virtually no role in determining who receives contracts under the TSSP.

Responding to the questions, Minister Tsiamalili said the TSSP is a bilateral partnership financed by the Australian Government and implemented jointly with the Government of Papua New Guinea.

He said the program covers 10 coastal provinces and is administered by the TSSP under the supervision of the Department of Works, which oversees contract management.

The minister admitted the Kokoda Highway project has encountered contractor performance issues.

He said the Department of Works and TSSP are working to amend the contractual arrangements to improve project implementation.

Minister Tsiamalili said discussions are progressing to resolve the outstanding issues and construction work is expected to recommence after the necessary agreements have been finalised.