A series of infrastructure projects in Rabaul District in East New Britain Province have been completed recently.

Rabaul District Administrator, Freddy Lemeki said these projects are the Watom sea wall upgrade and extension, Second 22nd Street road works and repair, Tunnel Hill road works and repair and Toleap Reinforced Concrete Box Culvert (RCBC).

The 2nd Phase of Blanche Street major rehabilitation is 60 per cent completed.

He said these projects are funded through the District Services Improvement Program (DSIP) and Provincial Services Improvement Program (PSIP) and are expected to bring much-needed upgrades to roads in Rabaul town and sea wall at Watom Local Level Government (LLG).

Mr. Lemeki said the upgrade and extension on the 80-metre sea wall is built in front of the Vunakabai government station at Watom LLG.

This area had been badly affected by the rise in sea level, causing erosion on coastal areas. The government station was also being affected.

The sea wall project is funded under DSIP and constructed by Senuak Contractors and took four months to complete.

Mr Lemeki said the major rehabilitation of Blanche Street (PSIP/DSIP counter fund), Second 22nd Street (DSIP) and Tunnel Hill road (DSIP/PSIP counter fund) projects all undertaken by Nivani Ltd will improve the transportation network in Rabaul.

These projects, valued at K4.9 million; K876, 000, and K2.2 million respectively, will reduce travel times, improve road safety, and boost economic activity.

The Toleap RCBC (DSIP), recently completed by Senuak Contractors and worth K373, 862.50, now addresses past problems faced by commuters during heavy rains and erosion making it impassable.

In September this year, Rabaul District witnessed the commissioning of the 2nd Phase Blanche Street Rehabilitation, Second 22nd Street works and repair, Tunnel Hill road works and repair, and Toleap RCBC.

Mr. Lemeki said the district will continue to prioritize infrastructure development both in the civil and building sectors.