A CALL FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE IN PORT MORERSBY NCD THAN NEW ROADS

NCDC CITY MANAGER : MR RAVU FRANK (Photo via City Sivarai)

Port Moresby's deteriorating road infrastructure requires urgent attention. John Kaio, a private consultant and expert in road design and management, has called for an immediate shift in priorities from constructing new roads to maintaining and restoring the existing ones. Many of the city's roads, vital for daily commuters, have fallen into disrepair and are unsafe for use. Issues like potholes, inadequate drainage systems, and poor lighting impact urban mobility and overall safety.

While new 4-lane roads have been constructed in less-trafficked areas, these often remain underutilized during both day and night. Mr Kaio argues that this does not make economic sense, especially when resources are scarce. Instead, he advocates for postponing new road construction for the next two years and reallocating the K178 million budget to improve the existing road network. Roads that serve the city's residents daily, such as Waigani Drive and suburban streets, must be prioritized to preserve their value and ensure they are safe and reliable.

Mr Kaio emphasizes that road maintenance is cost-effective and yields significant economic benefits, unlike the expensive undertaking of building new roads. International best practices in road management show that maintaining existing infrastructure is a more logical and sustainable approach. This two-year pause on new projects also provides an opportunity for better planning and execution, saving costs and enhancing efficiency.

Most roads in NCD and nationwide were built during the post-independence era, and their deterioration represents a loss of the nation's wealth. By focusing on maintaining these assets, the city can set a stronger foundation for future development.

This shift in priority puts people first and aims to create safer roads, improve urban mobility, and build a resilient and sustainable city for everyone. Supporting this cause is a step towards a better Port Moresby.