All works on roads and bridges in Nawaeb District, must be facilitated by the National Department of Works and Highways.
This was the advice of the Chief Ombudsman Commissioner, Mr. Richard Pagen, who accompanied by the Member for Nawaeb Theo Pelgen, Nawaeb District Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Buds Botikie, Nawaeb District Technical Team and Provincial Works Department Engineers, on a road inspection in the District.
He was then given a comprehensive inspection of the collapsed Busu Bridge at Boana and emphasized strongly for quality and durable work to be carried out on the construction of a new bridge.
He said that Busu Bridge works or rehabilitation or similar works, must be given to the Department of Works and Highways to manage and facilitate because they have all the government requirements and technicalities to deliver the work.
“Contractors may be awarded the scope of the work; however, it is best for the Works team to supervise the construction of these works so that the quality outcomes are achieved.”
Chief Ombudsman Pagen said he represents the people and the funds that they entrust through paying taxes.
“Therefore, it is my prerogative to come down on the ground to analyze and see how well these funds from the National Government are spent on projects.”
The Local MP, Theo Pelgen backed up the words of the Chief Commission, saying all the projects in Nawaeb have been carefully supervised by the Provincial Department of Works and Highways Team.
“We are on track to deliver the new Busu Bridge within this short space of time and will ensure the bridge will be built to last under all requirements of the Works Department.”
MP Pelgen said the Nawaeb Technical Team have been on the ground to collect data and a survey and analysis of these infrastructures. They will continue this groundwork until the completion of the new Busu Bridge and two new foot bridges as well.
“When the Busu Bridge collapsed, Niugini Bridge Limited technical team was on the ground inspecting and collecting data and surveying the scope of the new bridge to be built. This vital information has been passed to NDOW&H for evaluation.”
“The Department of Works and Highways has already assured that a new bridge is on the way to replace the collapsed Busu Bridge,” Mr. Pelgen said.
Meanwhile, a temporary wet crossing has been built for vehicle access to the District Headquarters at Boana.
The MP gave assurance that funding has been made available and thanked the Marape/Rosso Government for the swift intervention of the National Emergency Situation at Busu Bridge.