Building Better Works: The KAIZEN PROJECT – Activity Report vol.1

Hello everyone, My name is Koji Nakanishi, a JICA Volunteer from Japan.
I am currently working at the Milne Bay Provincial Works Supervision Unit (WSU) in Alotau.
Our office is responsible for planning, designing, supervising, and maintaining public infrastructures such as roads, bridges, wharves, and other facilities, as well as responding to natural disasters. (Picture1)

My main activity is called the “KAIZEN PROJECT.” The word “Kaizen” means “to make things better, step by step.” This project aims to improve the quality of construction work together with local officers and site workers through small but continuous improvements. My role is to provide technical advice on construction supervision and to organize workshops for my colleagues. I visit construction sites with young staff members in their 20s and 30s, pointing out both good practices and areas that can be improved. (Picture2)

In the workshops (Picture3), we use four steps — Check, Act, Plan, and Do — to improve our work.
This is based on the Japanese PDCA cycle, which helps us keep improving safety, durability, and quality in every project.
For example, at one site, I found cracks in an L-shaped side drain. The main reason was insufficient compaction of the foundation and curing of the concrete. I explained the difference between Japanese and PNG construction standards and suggested a simple local method — compacting local soil well after removing organic or clay materials — to make the base stronger. (Picture4)

Working on construction sites in PNG is not easy. We often face challenges such as limited materials and machinery, tough tropical weather, and differences in culture and values. That is why I always try to build trust first. Instead of only pointing out mistakes, I also share good practices and express appreciation for the team’s efforts. Through this activity, my goal is for local staff to eventually find their own ideas for improvement.


I believe that the spirit of KAIZEN, which started in Japan, can take root here in Papua New Guinea too — helping us create safer, stronger, and more beautiful infrastructure together.