Activities in Papua New Guinea

October 10, 2014, the Department of Works (DoW) and JICA organized ‘Pilot Project Groundbreaking Ceremony' in Western Highlands Province following Morobe province in July, 2014.

Kuta Road had had a problem of land slide and poor condition of unpaved road for a long time. The major maintenance works were completed around the middle of September 2014 by DoW own funds through the outsourced contractor. The road and community have been neglected for 12 years and community people have looked forward this day sincerely. As an example, the owner of Poroman Lodge at the top of Kuta mountain and orchid grower who exports orchid to overseas including Japan, they are really happy now because of the landslide section of Kuta Road was rehabilitated by preceding work prior to ground breaking ceremony and the maintenance work will bring a good effect on their business.

The ceremony was held at Kuta Community School along Kuta Road which is the pilot site of Western Highlands Province with participation of DoW and JICA representatives, local community leaders which include Mr. John Ame Deputy Secretaray for DoW, Mr. Andrew Buna First Assistant Secretory PTD for DoW, Mr. Mathew Windi Provincial Works Manager for Western Highlands Provincial office of DoW, Dr. Thomas Webster Director for National Research Institute, Mr. Peter Raim Councilor of local community, Mr. John Kawa chancellor of local community, Mr. Shigeru Sugiyama JICA chief representative, Mr. Hisashi Muto Team Leader of JICA expert team, Mr. Hiroshi Ueda, Mr. Atsuo Akema and Mr. Yasuo Nakada JICA expert team.

Mr. Hisashi Muto said in his speech that JICA expert team will work together with DoW through enhancement of capability of in-house road maintenance work. After this project DoW is expected to sustain their road maintenance work and that will bring prosperity of community. He also requested to community cooperation to this project such as safety of people and equipment, clean the road and drainage for success of the project.

The ceremony was finished with great satisfaction by the community.

JICA Chief Representative Mr. Shigeru Sugiyama is giving his speech to the Kuta road community

JICA Expert Team Leader Mr. Hisashi Muto is giving his speech and explaining project outline to the community

DoW Deputy Secretary Mr. John Ame and Mr. Sugiyama are doing ground breaking by the excavator which JICA provided

Kuta road community is waiting for the road maintenance on their road more than 10 years. Their expectation to this project is very high.