Infrastructure in PNG

Infrastructure plays an important role in broad-based economic and social development, poverty alleviation and access to services.

The PNG Government's Medium Term Development Strategy identifies maintaining existing infrastructure, particularly the transport network, as a priority. PNG's National Transport Development Plan 2006 - 2010 (NTDP) provides the policies, plans and asset maintenance programs for the sector.

The objective of Australian aid investment in the PNG transport infrastructure sector is to keep important transport infrastructure in operation to ensure social stability and economic growth while PNG implements reforms.

Major aid activities

Australia supports the implementation of PNG's National Transport Development Plan through the Transport Sector Support Program, and aims to improve governance and capacity building and strengthen PNG's institutions, resulting in better service delivery.

Transport Sector Support Program

Contribution: $280 million
Duration: 2007-2012

On completion of existing transport infrastructure activities, Australia will provide all support to the sector through this program. The following are the major activities that Australia will incorporate into the Transport Sector Support Program.

Bridge Restoration Project

Contribution: $60 million
Duration: 2006-2010

This project will improve the safety and serviceability of the existing national road network. The project will replace or rehabilitate substandard bridges on priority roads, initially in twelve provinces. Rural people will benefit through improved access to markets and social services.

Key Roads for Growth Maintenance Project

Contribution: $50 million
Duration: 2005-2009

This project will help to restore selected highlands roads, starting with the Highlands Highway in the provinces of Morobe and Eastern Highlands. The Highlands Highway is the single most important highway in PNG for trade volume and value and services 1.9 million people, around 40% of the country's population. The project will restore these roads to a trafficable condition and maintain these roads for the project period.

Bougainville Coastal Trunk Road Maintenance Project

Contribution: $26 million
Duration: 2002-2007

The project has provided an identifiable peace dividend for Bougainville. Building and maintaining the main trunk road in Bougainville has enabled sustainable development and the provision of essential services in health, education, law and order. The project also provided direct employment, with contracts awarded to local contractors and local communities.

July 2007