Port Moresby Opens Footbridge to Protect Students From Traffic

 
Pedestrians in Port Moresby now have a safer way to cross the busy 7-Mile road corridor following the official opening of a K2.3 million overhead footbridge, built to protect schoolchildren, workers and residents from traffic hazards.

The project was initiated by Moresby North-East MP and Environment and Conservation Minister John Kaupa and facilitated by the National Capital District Commission (NCDC). Construction was completed over three months by Yfig Group of Companies and CB Engineering.

Port Moresby Opens Footbridge to Protect Students From Traffic

Mr Kaupa thanked the contractors, engineers, inspectors, project management team and community leaders for their contribution to delivering the infrastructure.

He also commended the construction teams for working day and night to complete the project and acknowledged nearby communities for their cooperation throughout the building period.

Mr Kaupa said the footbridge demonstrated what could be achieved when the Government, NCDC, private contractors and local residents worked together to address community needs.

He urged residents to protect the new facility from damage and ensure it remained in good condition for people using it today and in the years ahead.

NCDC City Manager Ravu Frank described the opening as an important step towards improving pedestrian safety and the quality of life for people living and working in the capital.

He said the structure represented more than steel and concrete, highlighting its purpose of protecting lives along one of Port Moresby's busiest road corridors.

The bridge will provide a safer crossing for students attending New Erima Primary School and New Erima Junior High School, as well as families, market vendors, workers and other residents who regularly travel through the area.

Mr Frank said the K2.3 million investment reflected NCDC's commitment to public safety and building a city that better serves the needs of its communities.

He acknowledged the NCDC board, engineering teams, contractors, community leaders and Erima residents for supporting the project.

Residents were urged to use the bridge responsibly and help preserve it as public infrastructure intended to benefit current and future generations.

Mr Frank also called on motorists to exercise caution and comply with Port Moresby's 60-kilometre-per-hour speed limit.

He said safer infrastructure needed to be supported by responsible behaviour from both drivers and pedestrians to reduce road accidents.