Australia is prioritizing funding to help restore critical road links in Tropical Cyclone Maila impacted communities in Bougainville and Milne Bay.

Under the Transport Sector Support Program Phase 3 (TSSP3), emergency efforts will begin next week alongside the Bougainville Government and the Papua New Guinea Department of Works and Highways.

Initial efforts have reconnected communities from Kokopau to Arawa and Buin through restoring access at key wet crossings and along the Bougainville Trunk Road.

On April 15, a temporary wet crossing was restored and opened light to vehicles at Ramazon.

On April 16, repair works began at Pangara after earlier delays caused by landslide. Contractors are now able to access the site to begin emergency work on the wet crossing.

Fortunately, the newly built Tavera Bridge under TSSP3 remained largely undamaged during the cyclone, allowing uninterrupted access into the surrounding area.

There is debris clearing, washout repairing and restoring of damaged road sections along the Bougainville Trunk Road. Restoration includes reshaping road surfaces, clearing drains, stabilizing riverbanks and repairing culvert damage.

These works are helping to reopen access for communities impacted by flooding and landslides.

In Milne Bay, the Magi Highway and East Coast Road are being cleared for affected communities.

Restoration activities were carried out by Global Constructions and Jala Transport, TSSP3-funded contractors, in close coordination with local community.

This rapid response allows the reopening of keys routes to markets and schools and enabling health services to reach areas more quickly.

Australia is working in close consultation with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Region of Bougainville to assist immediate recovery response.

In the coming weeks, further efforts will continue as conditions allow, with a focus on restoring safe and reliable access, with the intention of strengthening longer-term infrastructure for communities across affected areas.